ADVOCATE DEC 13 2023

A sign for help

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

On a cold, grey November afternoon in downtown New Glasgow, Colby Harris stands on a sidewalk, holding a sign in front of him, asking for help.

At 29 years old, the native of Colchester County has been in and out of rehab for the past several years, battling what he calls his demons. Harris says he’s been sober for a few weeks, helped by his newly restored faith in God and some friends in New Glasgow who provide support for him, offering a warm place to sleep at night.

He admits the struggle with addiction is one that he fights every single day.

“I’ve gotten sober so many times,” he said. “I’ve managed to come back (from addiction), but I was still young and naïve,

Be a part of our

so I kept repeating the same cycle.

“I’ve lived on Spring Garden Road –Tent City – and I’ve slept at every shelter from Truro to New Glasgow to Sydney.”

He spent several weeks in New Glasgow in 2022, living on the streets or in a since-dismantled gazebo on the Pioneer Trail, using whatever money people gave to him to buy enough food to sustain himself. But some of that money went to booze.

“It was a struggle. I wasn’t healthy, physically, mentally or spiritually.”

His story really began when he was barely into his teens.

A regular attendee at church every Sunday, at 14 he started smoking marijuana and that eventually led him to cast aside his church-going days.

“I was 18 when I started drinking and tried my first line of cocaine. I thought I

was just having fun because I was young, right?”

The substance abuse continued, and his adoptive mother eventually kicked him out of his home, he says, because she was no longer willing to deal with his addiction issues.

At various times, Harris managed to cope, holding down a job and living in an apartment, white knuckling his way through life.

But after an episode of drinking two years ago, his then-fiancé had seen enough.

“She’d told me before that if I go down that road, she’s not going to stick around because she knows what comes with it. I called her that night from the drunk tank and said, ‘I’m coming home’ and she said ‘I’m not there. I packed my stuff and left.’ It was horrible.”

Harris said he has spent nights at Viola’s Place in New Glasgow but the shelter environment wasn’t right for him as the shelter accepts people using drugs or alcohol and he didn’t want to be around that environment while he’s in the early stages of sobriety.

According to Viola’s Place executive director Lisa DeYoung, “we won’t turn that population away, as long as they still follow the rules and they’re not a threat to themselves or anyone else.”

Harris knows that being a few weeks into sobriety means he’s just getting started and that there is a lot of work ahead, but he’s determined to turn his life around.

“Even last year, I wasn’t as humble as I am now. I would never have imagined me holding up a sign, asking for help.”

Colby Harris stands outside a downtown New Glasgow commercial building, seeking donations. (ADSHADE PHOTO)

Dialysis installation on hold at Sutherland Harris

By Steve Goodwin Special to the Advocate

Plans to add eight dialysis units at the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital (SHMH) in Pictou are delayed.

Work was to begin to renovate a portion of the building to house the extra kidney dialysis and related services so that more local clients requiring dialysis could receive them there next year. The eight units would be in addition to four already in Pictou.

Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane confirmed recent discussions she had during a meeting that included Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson and Nova Scotia Health chief executive officer Karen Oldfield. She said “infrastructure problems” that were discovered means the work will be done a year later.

“The hope was it would be in 2024,” MacFarlane said. “They hope April to June of 2025. We are being diligent. They are committed to Pictou.”

The news is disappointing for Danny MacGillivray, executive director for CHAD Transit, which transports kidney dialysis clients to St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish for similar service. He said transporting clients to Pictou would save time, as well as fuel and wear and tear on the vehicles.

MacFarlane said the CHAD service is vital to those clients who need it.

“We’re working on funding for CHAD until the units expand in Pictou,” she said.

MacGillivray acknowledged those efforts by all three Pictou County MLAs –MarFarlane, Premier Tim Houston and Pictou Centre Pat Dunn – to help fund CHAD’s trips

by SUV to and from Antigonish. He said he anticipates the funding to start in January and continue until the new units in Pictou are ready.

“It travels three times a day, six days a week back and forth,” MacGillivray said. “We’ve put 170,000 kilometres on it in less than two years. All three MLAs have worked really hard on this, so it looks like we can keep taking the people to Antigonish and help the people of Pictou County.”

Nova Scotia Health spokesperson Jennifer Lewandowski said the expansion will take longer than originally planned due to limited materials and other resources available. The province awarded the eight units to Pictou to reflect how the dialysis unit there continues to have the largest wait list in Nova Scotia.

“It is important for us to ensure we take our time to complete the project to meet the expectations of providers and provide an exceptional patient experience,” Lewandowski said in an email.

Health and Wellness spokesperson Marla MacInnis explained in a separate email why the eight units are going to Pictou instead of the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow.

“Given the province’s growing and aging population, it is expected that the need for dialysis services in this region will continue and put further pressure on our capacity in the future,” she said. “Increasing capacity at SHMH is a matter of practicality and timing. It is the fastest way to expand needed dialysis treatment in Pictou County.  Further work is underway to better address the need for dialysis in New Glasgow and Stellarton as well, but we did not want to delay a faster response in the area.”

Town of Stellarton

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Case file 01-23s

Public Notice is hereby given that Stellarton Town Council will hold a Public Hearing to receive public oral and written submissions on an application by Jessco Holdings Limited to enter into a development agreement to construct an additional two (2) residential units (for a total of six (6) residential dwellings at 274 Foord Street. Note: 274 Foord Street is situated in the C1 (Downtown Core) Zone under the Pictou County Common Land Use Bylaw, which only permits exclusively commercial buildings by development agreement.

The subject property is situated in the Downtown Core (C1) Zone, Pictou County Common Land Use Bylaw, Zoning Map. This zone only permits multiple residential uses by development agreement. Details regarding the application may be examined at the Town Office, Stellarton, or the Trenton Town Office, prior to the Public Hearing, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., weekdays except holidays.

The Public Hearing is to be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, Stellarton.

Further Information may be obtained from the undersigned at 902752-2114 or Roland Burek, MCIP, LPP, Acting Town Planner at 902-7524476.

Susan Higdon Town CAO

She said the provincial Renal Program is seeking more dialysis treatment options within shorter distances, including at the

Aberdeen by considering faster construction that would include modular dialysis stations.

Purchase 3 gift subscriptions, and receive a pack of 5 beautiful Saltscapes postcards for FREE!

Tax included

CALL: 1 877 885 6344

ONLINE: saltscapes.com/subscriptions

MAIL: Complete the card below and mail to PO Box 190, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

A dialysis patient station at the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital. The renal care unit is expanding in the near future thanks to funding in the provincial budget, along with support from the hospital foundation and Aberdeen Health foundation. The expansion will serve an additional 22 patients.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

COMMUNITY

Operation Christmas

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

Just about any veteran police officer has seen the devastating results that can happen when people drive impaired.

“Most have, I would say,” said Ryan Leil, a police officer for 19 years and deputy chief with New Glasgow Regional Police.

“We want people to be aware of consequences … the impacts that (impaired driving) can have on communities and families.”

Leil was one of several New Glasgow Regional Police officers, along Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and fire departments from New Glasgow and Trenton, who staged the annual Operation Christmas campaign on Dec. 7. For about 40 minutes, they greeted motorists on Westville Road, issuing a gentle reminder to drive safely and make wise decisions during the holiday season.

Although drunk driving is far less socially acceptable than it had been in the 1970s and 1980s, Leil said, changing behaviours doesn’t happen overnight, so there is a constant need to emphasize the message.

“There are a lot of motorists on the road this time of year, social gatherings and that type of thing so we are just trying to reinforce the MADD message –there are consequences.”

Sandra DeGruchey has been with MADD Canada for almost 30 years.

“During the holiday season especially, but all times throughout the year, it’s important to remind people to drive safe and sober,” DeGruchey explained, stressing that police take a zero-tolerance approach to driving impaired, whether through the intake of alcohol or legal and illegal drugs. Project Red Ribbon, a holiday campaign MADD Canada organizes annually, runs from

Calling for help

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

A stranger’s caring voice on the telephone could be a lifesaver.

The province recently launched 9-8-8, a suicide crisis hotline that provides support by phone or text 24 hours a day, every day of the year and now available in every province and territory across Canada.

“There’s definitely a need for people to reach out to somebody in a mental health crisis, particularly someone who may be feeling suicidal,” said Dr. Sam Hickox, who is with the Office of Addiction and Mental Health, under the umbrella of Nova Scotia’s Department of Health and Wellness.

The people manning the phone lines must undergo standardized training in dealing with such crises, Hickox added during a recent interview with the Advocate.

“Being able to speak to someone, to not feel so alone, can get someone through that intense time when they may be feeling most

Nov. 1 until Jan. 8.

“One impaired driver is one too many. We all want to enjoy the holiday season, we do not want to hear about that tragic accident where a loved one is lost. Any time of the year, but this time of year especially.”

Quick facts:

According to Criminal Code Help, an average of 22 people are killed every year in Nova Scotia due to impaired driving.

In May 2023, Nova Scotia RCMP charged 153 drivers with impaired-related offences; 73 charged with impaired operation of a conveyance by alcohol, 11 charged with impaired operation of a conveyance by drug, 14 charged with refusal of a demand made by a peace officer, and 55 issued driving suspensions for operating a conveyance while having consumed alcohol. ( rcmp-grc. gc.ca)

suicidal, and that’s the primary function of the crisis line. What is really needed is for someone to be caring and compassionate and (who are) really able to listen.”

Craig Purvis, a clinical psychologist with RiverStone Clinic in New Glasgow, applauded the new initiative.

“When we have more resources available, especially when it’s something like a real-person hotline, it guarantees immediate access. People will think ‘I can reach out to someone who cares,’” said Purvis.

Purvis noted that people in despair may not greet Christmas the same others do.

“The (holiday) season is not as joyous for everyone,” he said.

New Glasgow Regional Police Deputy Chief Ryan Leil said police have seen an increase in calls from people in crisis over the past couple of years. Leil called 9-8-8 “welcomed, from a police perspective.”

“It’s another tool for people dealing with those in crisis. It’s not meant as strategy to solve a long-term problem, but it’s about

Town of New Glasgow Public Notice

Case File 03-23n

Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of the New Glasgow Town Council held on December 6th, 2023, Council grated approval of an amended development agreement application by 4414012 Nova Scotia Ltd. 246 Acadia Street, New Glasgow (PID: 00970236) for the redevelopment of the vacant Acadia Street School to 42 self-contained residential dwellings units, comprised of both single and double-bedroom units, within the existing bldg. footprint.

To appeal in accordance with Section 247 of the Municipal Government Act, an aggrieved person, the applicant, an adjacent municipality, a village in which the affected property is situated, or the Director may within fourteen (14) days of the date of this advertisement, appeal to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board regarding this decision.

Further information may be obtained from the undersigned at the Town Office, New Glasgow or by contacting Jeffrey Turnbull, Planner, Town of New Glasgow Public Works and Engineering Office 235 Park Street New Glasgow, 902-755-8379 Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm excluding holidays. Dated at New Glasgow, Nova Scotia this 7th day of December 2023.

Lisa MacDonald CAO, Town Clerk & Treasurer

Ryan Leil, deputy chief with New Glasgow Regional Police, looks an as a MADD representative greets motorists on Westville Road just before noon on Dec. 7. The police agency held its annual Operation Christmas to help make people aware of issues surrounding impaired driving during the holiday season.

(ADSHADE PHOTO)

getting people through that moment.”

Recent data shows that as of Dec. 5, there have been 126 deaths in Nova Scotia attributed to suicide. That is down from more than 150 in 2022, but since COVID, the percentage of deaths by suicide is higher than it had been for most of the previous decade.

“It could be related to the impacts of stress from the pandemic,” Hickox said.

“The population as a whole has been under more stress. And anyone in Pictou County in a crisis, we do recommend they go to the mental health care facilities that are at their disposal.”

He said a short, easy-to-remember phone

number brings a definite advantage. “8-1-1 will be like 9-1-1, everybody knows what it means.”

• An average of 12 people die by suicide every day in Canada.

• Calls and texts to 9-8-8 are confidential – no personally identifiable information will be disclosed or shared outside the 9-8-8 network, except as required or permitted by law, or in cases where emergency intervention is required for a person’s safety and well-being.

• Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) and the Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-2423310) will retain their existing toll-free numbers should Nova Scotians wish to contact them directly.

Town of Stellarton PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Case file 02-23s

Public Notice is hereby given that Stellarton Town Council will hold a Public Hearing to receive public oral and written submissions on an application by MacGillivray Properties Limited to enter into a development agreement to convert an existing commercial building to residential units (for a total of eight (8) residential dwellings at 283 Foord Street. Note: 283 Foord Street is situated in the C1 (Downtown Core) Zone under the Pictou County Common Land Use Bylaw, which only permits exclusively commercial buildings by development agreement.

The subject property is situated in the Downtown Core (C1) Zone, Pictou County Common Land Use Bylaw, Zoning Map. This zone only permits multiple residential uses by development agreement. Details regarding the application may be examined at the Town Office, Stellarton, or the Trenton Town Office, prior to the Public Hearing, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., weekdays except holidays.

The Public Hearing is to be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, Stellarton. Further Information may be obtained from the undersigned at 902-752-2114 or Roland Burek, MCIP, LPP, Acting Town Planner at 902-752-4476.

Susan Higdon Town CAO

More long-term care spaces to be announced: minister

By Jake Boudrot jakeboudrot@advocatemediainc.com

In addition to recent announcements of new long-term care spaces and facilities, the minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care said there will be more rolled out this month.

A new nursing home in Westville will house 48 seniors and construction is scheduled to be complete by 2028, according to an announcement made on Nov. 24 from Premier Tim Houston.

The province said in a press release that a competitive process will select the company that will build and operate the facility.

“I wish everyone had the opportunity to be there, to see the staff reaction, to see the seniors when they hear that news,” noted Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Barbara Adams. “This is life-changing especially for the staff. If they know that there’s going to be a new nursing home built in a couple of years right around the corner from their house, it certainly does help with recruitment.”

The province said each new living area will be a single room with a private washroom.

“It’s home and it’s lovely to not have to share that room,” Adams said. “This is just respecting their dignity and their privacy.”

The Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care announced on Nov. 20 that 2,200 more long-term care rooms will be added or replaced by 2032, in addition to about 3,500 new and replacement rooms that are expected to open by 2027.

As part of that plan, the province also announced last week a replacement for Willow Lodge home for special care in Tatamagouche. A new 96-room facility is expected to open in 2031, which will allow for the care of 35 more seniors in the area.

The department said it wants to add about 800 rooms to the long-term care system and replace older homes with new facilities that will provide about 1,400 rooms. All new homes are expected to be ready by 2032, they stated.

“Right now, we have 8,000 nursing home rooms in the province and by the time we’re done replacing and building additional nursing homes, we’ll go up to 10,000,” Adams noted.

Although the province maintained that “current wait lists for long-term care spots vary across the province,” they did provide data noting that, as of Nov. 15, there were “just over” 1,700 people waiting at home for placement in long-term care.

Of those waiting at home, more than 70 per cent receive home care, the province

noted.

“There are those who are waiting from hospital, which is, of course, not where they want to be. Of the 30 per cent that are managing at home, those are seniors who have family supports and they are able to manage without home care at this time, or they might be newly placed on the list … they’re just waiting for a home-care assessment,” Adams said.

At close to 22 per cent of Nova Scotia’s population, the province said the number of seniors “is expected to climb more than 25 per cent by 2023.”

The province said that the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, and the continuing-care sector are recruiting “the staff needed to support the delivery of care that will be required for these new rooms.”

Adams said the province offered 2,000 continuing care assistants (CCAs) free tuition and paid for the tuition of those who were in the program. They also approved a 23 per cent pay raise for CCAs and created a “pathway” to allow CCAs to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

“This was a sector that was grossly understaffed,” the minister said. “We are well under-

way to making sure we have enough staff for all the new facility rooms that we’re going to be building in the next nine years.”

The Access to Healthcare Act was approved six months ago and Adams said additional legislation was recently passed “to allow all of our allied health-care providers to be able to work to their full scope of practice.”

The minister said 70 per cent of long-term care facilities are at one of the highest staffing levels in the country.

“We’re well on our way to filling all of the positions but the one thing that is very important for people to know is that our province now has the highest staffing level in the country, only the Yukon is similar to us,” she said.

“We have 4.1 hours per senior per day. In the old days, it was 2.6 or 3.1 hours of nursing care.”

Local seniors club continues fundraising support of Salvation Army through quilt raffle

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

A seemingly small gesture can pay big dividends.

When New Glasgow 50 Plus Club members were throwing around fundraising ideas at a meeting earlier in the autumn, one member suggested they raffle off a quilt.

That inspired Virginia Vacheresse to go home and make one.

“This is something we just started this year,” said club vice-president Barbara Anne Ryan, as the club held its monthly meeting on Dec. 6 (meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month) above the New Glasgow Fire Hall.

“It was just brought up a meeting and (Vacheresse) brought it to the next meeting, so then we had to decide what to do with it.”

Vacheresse couldn’t guess as to how long it took her to make the quilt.

“It took quite a few hours, but I don’t count the hours,” she said. “It was a labour of love.”

The club donated the money raised from ticket sales ($267) to the food bank at the Salvation Army in New Glasgow, which has seen a dramatic increase in clients over the past 12 months.

“It’s a new way to raise money for the Salvation Army, we work closely with them” said Ryan, noting that the 50 Plus club will relaunch its annual spring fashion show in 2024, which has been on hold since the pandemic began in earnest in 2000. The spring fashion show is also a fundraiser for the Salvation Army.

The New Glasgow 50 Plus Club recently raffled off a Christmas-themed quilt and donated the proceeds ($267) to the Salvation Army in New Glasgow. From left, Major Dan Roode of the Salvation Army, club member and quilt winner Georgina Carpenter, club vice-president Barbara Anne Murphy, and Virginia Vacheresse, who made the quilt.

(ADSHADE PHOTO)

Barbara Adams.

(FILE PHOTO)

It’s a record that still belongs to Ace Foley

By Hugh Townsend ght1967@gmail.com

In mid-November, I confessed in my column that my journalism career had reached the 70-year milestone. Since then, I’ve been asked more than once if it established some sort of record.

It didn’t.

Rather than drop the subject, I thought it might be of interest to discuss the idea. I’m not sure anyone ever kept such statistics for sports writing.

Nationally, I checked the late Red Fisher’s career. He was my favourite sports scribbler in Canada for a very long time, primarily a hockey writer with the Montreal Star, then the Montreal Gazette. My search confirmed that Red wrote for 57 years.

I returned closer to home where I knew Halifax’s Ace Foley seemed to write forever. So I checked.

Going back, so far back that he was a young lad walking to school when the Halifax Explosion occurred. He was 14 when he began writing for the Halifax Chronicle in 1920. He was there 28 years when he feared his career was over.

That was Jan. 1, 1949, the day the Halifax Chronicle and the Halifax Herald merged into the Chronicle Herald. His feelings?

“It was my privilege and pleasure to be with the Chronicle,” he said. “They were changing years in many respects, yet the people who play at sports haven’t changed much. The old-timers speak of the days gone by, the young

Pictou County Highland dancers place in Moncton competition

Members of the Pictou County Highland Dance Association travelled to New Brunswick for the Greater Moncton Scottish Association’s Christmas Highland Dance Competition on Dec. 2. Toronto’s Natalie Quick was the judge. Local association results include: Intermediate 11 and under Ashlyn MacKenzie: 2nd in Fling and 5th in Sword Premier 11 and under Josie MacAulay: 3rd in Sword Premier 12 and 13

Lauren McNamara: 2nd in Fling, 1st in Sword, 2nd in Seann Triubhas, 2nd in Laddie and 1st in special event Jig for 13 and 15.

people of the days ahead. It isn’t easy to say goodbye.”

Instead, he climbed the hill to the new

Explained Ace: “This is not just a job to me – it’s my life, and what a wonderful blessing to be able to do the things I like best, among the people I understand best; a continuing front seat counting the pulses of the world as it passes by.”

Jump now to 1970.

Then’s when Ace wrote his book, The First Fifty Years.

“I can honestly say,” he wrote within, “I have never met a man who wasn’t interested in sports. And don’t just stand there and say it’s a man’s world, because the gals joined up long ago and they’ve been prominent in just about every sport you can think of.”

Ace was rewarded for his half-century of writing, the paper naming him sports editor emeritus. He kept active in that position.

Two years later, I became sports editor.

In 1982, Ace was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, the first in the media category.

His long life in the profession ended in 1991 when he wrote his final column.

He died on St. Patrick’s Day in 1999 at the age of 93. I was proud to be assigned to write the front-page story that summed up such a marvellous career.

I still think of a comment he made in his book: “I got the newspaper ‘bug’ as a boy in school, and I got it bad.”

Ace wrote sports for 71 years and that, I’m pleased to confirm, is still the record.

Pictou’s Payton Veling participated in the Greater Moncton Scottish Association’s Christmas Highland Dance Competition on Dec. 2, judged by Natalie Quick of Ontario. In Premier 12-13, Veling placed fourth in Fling, fifth in Sword, fourth in Seann Triubhas, fourth in Laddie, and third in special event Jig 13 to 15. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Pictou County Military Museum and The Advocate are teaming up to present ‘On Guard for Thee’, a series of profiles of some of the local men and women who have served this country in times of conflict. The project is the brainchild of Vincent Joyce, founder and retired president of the Pictou County Military Museum who, along with current president David Avery, has supplied all of the photos and military records of the individuals who will be featured weekly in The Advocate.

This veteran profile and many others are available for viewing at The Pictou County Military Museum. Contact The Military Museum, 2042 Queen Street, Westville, 902-396-3761.

Concerned about the refugee crisis and want to get involved? The following groups and individuals can help:

CAiRN (Communities Assisting Refugees Now): Mary-Beth Moriarity at Pictou United Church (Phone: 902-485-8081). Email: pictouunited@eastlink.ca Donna Collins (Phone: 902-301-4896)

Email: donna.collins.mackenzie@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CAIRN-CommunitiesAssistingRefugeesNow Alta Munro, Email: al.alta@bellaliant.net (Cell: 902-396-7392) Nanda Shirke, Pictou County Multicultural Association (Phone: 902-695-6383). Email: nandashirke@gmail.com Safe Harbour, pcsafeharbour@gmail.com

FAIR HEARTS (FRIENDS ASSISTING IRAQI REFUGEES)

If you wish to assist this group please contact Bernadette MacLellan (902-759-3156), Sandra MacLeod (902-331-1001), or Alan Murray at (902-921-0571).

A New Glasgow native and Nova Scotia sports journalist for more than 70 years.

Pictou County Highland Dance Association members Josie MacAulay, from left, Ashlyn MacKenzie and Lauren McNamara during the Christmas Highland Dance Competition held Dec. 2 in Moncton. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Needless tragedy

The tragic event that took place on Prince Edward Island this past weekend only underlines the message that New Glasgow police and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving seek to convey with its annual Operation Christmas and Red Ribbon campaigns: don’t drive while impaired.

A highway crash on our neighbouring province across the Northumberland Strait Friday night left three people dead, including a young boy. An 18-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were also killed, while two others were critically injured in the head-on crash. A 20-year-old man has been charged with impaired driving causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

That’s three lives suddenly ended, potential unrealized, and many more lives forever altered.

And why? Because someone allegedly made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel while impaired.

As Sandra DeGruchey, of MADD’s Pictou County chapter told the Advocate last week during the Red Ribbon campaign, one impaired driver on our roads is one too many.

“We all want to enjoy the holiday season, we do not want to hear about that tragic accident where a loved one is lost,” she said last week, as MADD handed out red ribbons to passing motorists along Westville Road in New Glasgow. “Any time of the year, but this time of year especially.”

We will never completely eradicate impaired drivers, but drunk driving has become less socially acceptable than it was a generation ago, and than it itself is a very good thing.

The message being sent by police departments and

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reader sees potential in hay pellet stove

To the Editor:

The 2008, Sept. 03 edition of the Advocate featured an article by Steve Goodwin about the successful efforts by the now late Gus Swanson to invent and manufacture a stove that would burn hay pellets, hay pellets which produced 90 per cent less CO2 than fuel oil, natural gas or propane.

That was 15 years ago.

Shortly after the publishing of the aforesaid article, I had a provincial cabinet minister accept an invitation to come and see what Gus had accomplished. He came. He saw.

Lately I have given the information about the work Gus did to the office of the local MP. Nothing yet, not that I need to be included in their considerations. Are we dealing with compressed ignorance or some other as yet undefined malady? I have no answer.

Lawrence Dunn Westville, N.S.

EDITORIAL

FLASHBACK

POOR HOUSE

This home located on Haliburton Road was purchased by the Town of Pictou in 1895. It was used as the Poor House from then until 1920. George Hemmings, a master gardener, purchased it in 1928. He is seen tending his rows of flowers that were sought after by many Pictonians.

(SUBMITTED BY THE PICTOU HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPH SOCIETY. GO TO PICTOUPHOTOS.CA NOVA STORY TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE AND CHECK THEIR POPULAR FACEBOOK PAGE.)

MADD is a simple but powerful one, and with the tragedy that those families on P.E.I are dealing with still fresh in our minds, hopefully it will make someone pause before they decide to drive while impaired. If one good thing can come from such a horrific event, it would be a small blessing.

The holiday season brings joy to many, so let’s all work strive to ensure it remains a happy one. That means taking care of ourselves and taking care of each other.

Stay safe this holiday season, and if you’re tempted to drive while impaired, think of the life-altering, and sometimes irreparable consequences that might occur.

The Advocate Letters Policy

The Advocate accepts only signed letters, no pseudonyms are accepted. To verify authenticity, writers are requested to submit their daytime telephone numbers. We reserve the right to edit letters but do so only for length, proper grammar, spelling and good taste. Please keep letters to 250 - 300 words, or less.

The opinions expressed in any Letters to the Editor are the opinions of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Advocate. Deadline for letters to the Editor is Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.

pictouadvocate.com

Publisher: Fred Fiander

by

Editor-in-Chief: Crystal Murray

Senior Editor: Trevor J. Adams

Editor: Raissa Tetanish

Reporter: Jake Boudrot

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department, PO Box 1000, 181 Browns Point Road, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0 info@pictouadvocate.com

Copyright 2021. Editorial and advertising published in The Advocate may not be reproduced in any form without prior approval of the publisher. The views and opinions in the newspaper by contributors and/or correspondents do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the management. Not responsible for the safety or condition of unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064799

Weeks Crushers hold on to beat Bearcats

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

Pictou County Weeks Crushers fans won’t see their team on home ice again until after Christmas.

Until then, they’ll have a nice memory to hold onto as the eggnog flows and the presents get unwrapped: a win over their heated rival, the Truro Bearcats.

In a Maritime Hockey League game on Dec. 9, the Crushers held off the Bearcats at the Pictou County Wellness Centre (PCWC) to win 4-1, but only after the Crushers scored two late empty-net goals. With Pictou County nursing a 2-1 lead, down two men late in the third period due to penalties and with the Truro net empty, the home side staved off the Bearcats’ six-on-three advantage, allowing just a single power play goal with the Bearcats buzzing, before Jack Connors and Keifer Avery put the game to bed with their late goals.

“It was a gutsy effort,” said coach Garrett Lambke, who added he wasn’t particularly pleased with the officiating on Saturday. “We had a great PK (penalty kill), we were blocking shots. We felt pretty good about ourselves afterwards.”

Jack Campbell and Lane Lochhead also scored for Pictou County and PhilAntoine Trepanier was again solid in the Crushers’ net.

The win was a bounce-back effort

after a loss at the PCWC two nights earlier, when the Crushers let an early 2-0 lead slip away to the Kent State Steamers, who scored five goals unanswered on its way to a 6-3 result.

Connors and Lochead had the goals in the first period for Pictou County, and Logan Roop notched his eighth of the year. The Crushers will head into this coming Friday’s game in the Valley against the Wildcats having won seven of its past nine.

Pictou County has 27 points on the year with a record of 13-12-1. They are tied with Truro (the Crushers have played one fewer game) and two points back of the Amherst Ramblers.

Lambke called the recent surge “a little feather in our cap, and we need to do that the rest of the way to secure a playoff spot. There are five good teams in our division.”

CRUSHER NOTES

The Crushers next appearance at the PCWC will be Dec. 30 against the Summerside Western Capitals, who lead the South Division with a 19-2-5 mark.

With an assist in each of the two games this past week, Nick Mahar has now stretched his points scoring streak to 12. He has registered at least one point in 24 of 26 games this season.

Lochead has his own streak going, with points in nine straight games. In that time, the sniper from Alma, Pictou County has six goals and nine assists.

NOTICE WINTER PARKING REGULATIONS

The Winter Parking Ban will be in effect in the Town of Pictou beginning December 15. Here is what you need to know:

When: December 15, 2023 to April 1, 2024

What: No cars can be parked on the streets, sidewalks or shoulders of the streets in the Town of Pictou from 1:00 am to 7:00 am and during daytime hours, when snow plows are trying to plow the streets.

Exemptions: Physicians, police and fire officials while carrying out their official duties and operators of commercial vehicles while loading and unloading

Violations: All vehicles will be ticketed and towed at owner’s expense. This applies whether there is snow or not. Additional penalties provided by Section 293 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

Official Winter Parking Regulations can be found on the town website at www.townofpictou.ca.

Curtis MacKinnon

Staff Sergeant Pictou RCMP/ Town of Pictou Local Traffic Authority

The Pictou County U18 Weeks Majors participated in the Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey leagues Hockey Fights Cancer fundraiser. The team put a big effort into the campaign, fundraising online first, then with a big event in November during a home game. There was a bake sale, Chuck-a-puck, an Owen Conrad jersey raffle, plus donations at the door. The Weeks Majors also recognized assistant coach Gerald Greene for his contribution to the team. Coach Greene is shown doing the ceremonial face-off with the Weeks Majors captain Ben Manos, at right, and Dawson LaPlante, captain from the Cole Harbour Wolfpacks.

COMMUNITY

Environmental advocates applaud offshore energy exploration veto

By Jake Boudrot

jakeboudrot@advocatemediainc.com

Opponents of oil and gas exploration off Nova Scotia are claiming victory after a recent decision by the provincial and federal governments.

Tory Rushton, minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, and Jonathan Wilkinson, federal minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced on Dec. 4 that they notified the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board of their decision to veto Exploration Licence 2437.

According to a press release from the provincial and federal governments, the licence would have provided Inceptio Limited the exclusive right to explore for oil and gas in a shallow water parcel on the Sable Bank of the Scotian Shelf.

On Nov. 2, the provincial and federal governments suspended the board’s decision to issue the licence, citing their shared commitments to advance clean energy and pursue economic opportunities in the clean energy sector.

Council of Canadians co-executive director for Atlantic Canada Robin Tress said this decision leaves no remaining offshore bids or leases off Nova Scotia.

“This is the only bid made in the last five years, so its rejection leaves no offshore activity or interest, which is pretty great,” she said. “Seeing a fossil fuel project like this denied by the provincial and federal governments after being approved by the regulatory board, it’s quite rare. I’ve only seen something like that happen once before in the whole country and not in Nova Scotia to do with the offshore. That kind of decision or that kind of change only comes after really intense public pressure, I find, and I think that’s what happened here.”

According to group’s opposing offshore oil and gas exploration, the proposed licence would have been for $1.5 million in work expenditures, one of the smallest bids in Nova Scotia history.

“The economic impact of the offshore in Nova Scotia is really small and we haven’t had a positive economic impact in quite a number of years now,” said Tress. “We’re still spending the time, and money, and people power to promote offshore drilling.”

Tress said this is the time for a moratorium on all offshore drilling and exploration.

The Nova Scotia Offshore Alliance, which includes the Council of Canadians, Sierra Club, Ecology Action Centre, as well as local and fisheries groups, has been campaigning for a moratorium since 2016.

“That alliance has been raising the alarm about both the physical risks of offshore drilling but also how the petroleum board is in the pocket of the industry and is making decisions based on what oil giants want and not what Nova Scotians need, for quite some time,” noted Tress.

The federal government is in the process of updating the Accords Act to transform offshore boards in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador from oil and gas

regulators to entities overseeing all energy development, Tress said.

“Which is not a perfect process but at least does recognize that we, at this point in history, we can’t have regulators that are made only to serve fossil fuel interests. We need regulators and systems within our democracy that are built to help us transition rapidly to clean energy,” she said.

This change is being proposed in Bill C-49, which has been “childishly filibustered” by Conservative MPs on the Natural Resources Committee for more than a month, according to Tress.

“It’s being completely stymied by the Conservative Party specifically,” she stated. “(They) completely waste time, talking about muscle cars, milkshakes, soccer games … it’s unbelievable.”

Environmental and community groups said the area in question would have been sandwiched between Sable Island and the Gully Marine Protected Area.

“We were very concerned about the impact of seismic blasting and drilling on marine life, particularly on northern bottlenose whales in the Gully. We’re so relieved this licence has been dropped and we can get on with urgently needed climate solutions such as offshore wind,” said Gretchen Fitzgerald, national program director with Sierra

Club Canada Foundation.

“Nova Scotia has made strong commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop offshore wind. This bid was incompatible with those goals,” said Lisa Mitchell, executive director with East Coast Environmental Law Association.

The decision to veto the proposed licence is set against ongoing global climate talks in Dubai, according to the Ecology Action Centre.

“This is very welcome news,” said Maggy Burns, executive director with the centre. “Especially with global climate talks underway in Dubai. The International Panel on Climate Change and other bodies have consistently called for a halt to all new oil and gas projects if we want to meet climate targets. Rejecting this bid is a concrete step toward that goal.”

The Offshore Alliance, a coalition of environmental and community groups, said it has been working for years to protect waters, shorelines and ecosystems from risks associated with offshore oil and gas exploration and development.

“Those of us who understand that we should be working to protect and enhance the value of our fishery resource could not be happier with this decision,” said John Davis, co-chair with the Offshore Alliance.

PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION

David Avery, left, president of the Pictou County Military Museum in Westville, recently presented a plaque of appreciation to Sheldon MacLeod and Bunny MacKay for financial donations given to the museum from their family. The donations, which over the years have added up to more than $3,000, are given to their museum in part to honour their brother Harry MacLeod, a former Pictou County resident who served his country in the Second World War as a sapper, otherwise known as a combat engineer. Harry MacLeod passed away in 2005 at the age of 97.

(ADSHADE PHOTO)

MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF PICTOU PROPERTY ASSESSED

ENERGY PROGRAM (PACE) BY-LAW

TAKE NOTICE that on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Municipal Council for the Municipality of the County of Pictou adopted the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE) By-Law. This by-law now has the force of law. The purpose of this By-law is to allow the Municipality of the County of Pictou to create a financing program to support the installation of Energy Efficiency Improvement on private properties, with the consent of property owners. Property owners will make payments on the Energy Efficiency Improvement through a charge levied on the property.

Residents of the Municipality wishing to view the by-law in its entirety can do at the Municipal Administration, 46 Municipal Drive, Pictou, NS during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.) or on our website at www. munpict.ca

Brian Cullen Chief Administrative Officer

CAPSULE COMMENTS

Daily consumption of cranberry products is often touted as being a way of reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins which are supposed to inhibit the adhesion of the bacterium Escherichia coli to the cells lining the bladder. These bacteria are responsible for 90% of all UTIs. Women get the majority of UTIs and they cause much discomfort. There is still not conclusive evidence that this works but it is worth a try.

There is work being done on a possible vaccine to prevent UTIs. Right now, it’s called MV140 and it’s currently being studied on women with chronic urinary infections. With bacterial resistance to antibiotics becoming more common, a vaccine to prevent UTIs will reduce the need for prophylactic antibiotics which is commonly used to treat UTIs.

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. One of the causes is the presence of volatile sulphuric compounds in the mouth. A review of the studies on this topic revealed that supplementation with certain “good” bacteria can help. Look for products containing Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Streptococcus salivarius and Weissella cibaria Using these probiotics may reduce the sulphuric compounds.

One other point about halitosis, the probiotics mentioned above have no effect on other major causes such as smoking, plaque and coated tongue. If you are concerned about bad breath, first visit your dentist for a complete oral examination. Learning good dental hygiene techniques may be the answer.

with Dave Fulmore

COFFEE BREAK

Coffee break

CROSSWORD

Bitter

Inquire

a choice

Traveler’s permit

Pupil surrounder 46. Most of a giraffe

Egg-shaped

Gentle animal

Stopover place

Metal can

Not even

NORTH SHORE TIDES

CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED

ANTIQUES: Advertising items, jewellery, gold or silver, metal toys, paintings, old photo‐graphs, musical instruments, militaria, furniture, etc

PRIMITIVES: butter prints, carved walking sticks, wooden checkerboards, etc John Marshall Antiques 65 Provost St , NG, 902‐755‐4055, Email: johnmarshallantiques@gmail c om

In Memory

Copp

In fond memory of our friend and neighbor, Clayton Copp who passed away December 15th, 1978. Always Remembered & Never Forgotten The Buckleys

Memoriam

In loving memory of Frances Robison, who passed away Dec. 14, 2010

A mother’s work is never done, And heaven must have needed one For angels came and took her hand, And led her to God’s promised land.

Loved and remembered always By son Ronnie and Joyce 213025

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Branch #16, Pictou, NS

Legion Entertainment for Members and guests.

N.S.L.C. ID’s upon request

Every Monday Night Bingo:

Mini Bingo Starts at 7:00 p.m. Reg. Bingo Starts at 7:45 p.m.

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 P.M.

JACKPOT $525 in 49#’s or less

BONANZA $775 in 50#’s or less. BOTTLE $122+

Hall Rentals Phone Scott 902-759-2724 213236

MACDONALD

Kenneth Reg MacDonald who passed away on December 18, 2013

I’m sending a dove to Heaven

With a parcel on its wings

Be careful when you open it

It’s full of beautiful things

Inside are a million kisses

Wrapped up in a million hugs

To say how much I miss you

And to send you all my love

I hold you close within my heart

And there you will remain

To walk with me throughout my life

Until we meet again.

Forever loved and never forgotten,

Engagement

OBITUARIES

In loving memory of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather

In Memoriam

LANDRY

In loving memory of Paul Landry who passed away 5 years ago, Dec. 15, 2018

Today is remembered and quietly kept No words are needed

We will never forget

Deep in our hearts

You will always stay

Forever in our hearts

Wife Sandra, Andre, Jenn Austyn and Matthew 213327

Loved always and forever by his loving wife, Margaret and family.

MACKARACHER, Eva C., Bayview. Eva Charlotte MacKaracher (née Morrison), 86, of Bayview, NS, peacefully passed away on December 6, 2023, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born October 27, 1937, in Three Brooks, Eva was the daughter of the late Alexander and Catherine (Bonvie) Morrison. Her life was a testament to love, kindness, and selflessness. As a teenager, Eva worked at G.J. Hamilton and Sons’ Bakery in Pictou, showcasing her strong work ethic and dedication from a young age. Her commitment to hard work continued throughout her life, evident in her service at the Detox Center in Pictou from its opening until her retirement in 1997. Her passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew her, but her legacy of kindness, dedication, and compassion will endure through the memories she created. Eva is survived by her treasured daughter-in-law, Donna MacKaracher; her grandchildren, Steven MacKaracher and Melissa (Rob) Fraser; and her great-grandchildren, Cole and Kenzie MacKaracher. Along with her parents, Eva was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Lawrence “Laurie”; her son, David; her brothers, George, David, and Peter Morrison and her sister, Mary “Bubbles” (Morrison) Landry. A private graveside service took place on Sunday, December 10, at 2 p.m. in the Seaview Cemetery, Pictou. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. www.mclarenfuneral.ca

Stephen Moore and Lori Smith (nee MacMillan) of Dartmouth, NS (formerly Pictou County, would like to announce their engagement. They will be married on June 15th, in Pictou County surrounded by family. Stephen is the son of the former John and Ann Moore of New Glasgow, and Lori is the daughter of the former Don and Tosha MacMillan of New Glasgow.

HEIGHTON, Robert E. “Robbie”, River John. Robbie Heighton, 81 years old of River John, passed away peacefully December 7, 2023, at the Aberdeen Hospital after a brief illness with his family at his side. Born in Welsford, he was a son of the late Ralph and Jean Heighton. Robbie was a lifelong commercial fisherman who fished as recently as this past lobster season. Being a jack-of-all-trades, he also worked various jobs in the off-season, including driving a dump truck and working in construction. He was an active member of the River John Fire Department with over 51 years of continuous service where he held various positions over the years, including Captain and Deputy Chief. He loved his summers at the “Cape” (Cape John), gathering there with family and friends. The “more the merrier” was his motto, always making room for more. He loved to carry-on with others and enjoyed a good story, joke, or song. Family was his priority, and Grampie Holy Smokes took great pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved grand puppy, Lola. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Ann (Heighton); daughter, Rochelle (Blake Chapman); son, Robert (Erica Spears); grandchildren (his “true Capers”), Nole Chapman (Sierra) and Brent Chapman (Bryanna); brothers, Ronnie (Sharon) and Keith (Marilyn); sisters, Mary Monk (Merlin) and Faye Jefferson (Dana); sisters-in law, Bev Dwyer, and Maxine Cox; brothers-in law, Bob Dwyer, Charlie (Eva) Dwyer, David (Carolyn) Dwyer; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Leona (Dwyer); his daughter, Stacy Ann; his sister, Ruth Fraser; his sisters-inlaw, Judy Dwyer, Mary Ann Cameron; brothers-in law, Ronnie Fraser, Larry Dwyer and Jim Cox; niece, Melinda; nephew, Michael; great-nephew, Jimmy, and great-niece, Phoebe. The family would like to express special thanks to Drs. Debbie Straub, Hammam Gholam, and Usman Bhutta and all the staff of the ICU and Palliative Care units of Aberdeen Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. Visitation was held Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at McLaren Funeral Home Pictou. Funeral was held Monday, December 11, 2 p.m. from the River John Fire Hall with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating. Donations in Robbie’s memory may be made to the River John Fire Department, St. John the Baptist Anglican Church or the IWK. www.mclarenfuneral.ca

BATTIST, Gladys C., Pictou, September 3, 1923 - December 3, 2023. It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother Gladys Clara Battist, at the age of 100 years on December 3, 2023. She passed away peacefully at the Shiretown Nursing Home with family and her great friend Edith Boudreau, by her side. Gladys was born to Frank and Janie (MacDonald) Henderson on September 3, 1923. She grew up in Seafoam and remained there until marrying her husband, Stanley Alfred Battist, in 1942, and moved to Sundridge where they raised their seven children. In 1965 they moved to Lyons Brook and lived in the house that they built, until she moved to Shiretown Nursing Home on November 28, 2019. Gladys was a member of the Lyons Brook United Church and sang in the choir for over 50 years. She was also a member of the Women’s Institute and held an Honorary Membership. In her younger years, she was an avid team bowler and accumulated many trophies. She was a member of the New Horizons Community 50+ Club where she always played an excellent game of Scrabble and loved playing against competitor David Clark. You were a good player if you could beat David! She also looked forward to her weekly card game of 45’s at the Horizons Club and the Lyons Brook Community Hall. Gladys was an excellent homemaker who loved to bake, and she could turn her hand to many crafts. Her stunning Christmas trees were worthy of being put on the front page of any magazine. Gladys enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crocheting and in later years knit many baby hats for the Aberdeen Hospital. She is survived by her seven children, Billie (Betty Ann), Sandra (Laurie Bowron), Bruce, Carol (Stuart Sutherland), Clifford (Jeanie), Barbara (Peter Richardson) and Michael (Shelley). She is also survived by her sister, Marion Palmer (Lloyd); sister-in-law, Marie Henderson; 11 grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. Gladys was predeceased by her husband, Stan in 2002, just shy of 60 years of marriage; brothers, Wilbert (Della), Fred (Jean), Johnie (Marie); sisters, Jean (Alfred Langille) and Catherine Jewers. Visitation took place at McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Funeral service was held at the Lyons Brook United Church Thursday, December 7 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Jim Webber-Cook officiating. Burial was held following the service at the Caribou River Upper Cemetery with a reception following at the Lyons Brook Community Hall. Family flowers only please. Donations in Gladys memory may be made to the Caribou River Upper Cemetery (c/o Mrs. Donalda Langille, 936 Battist Rd, Scotsburn, NS, B0K 1R0), or to a charity of your choice. www.mclarenfuneral.ca

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Thursday, Dec. 14

Family Storytimes, New Glasgow Library, 10:15-11 a.m. Drop by for stories, songs and a craft to take home. For all ages. This is the last session for this year. 902-752-8233, newglasgow@parl.ns.ca

Lego and Crayons Thursdays, Westville Library, noon-8 p.m. Drop by and play with our Lego, and colour away with crayons. All ages. 902-396-5022.

Gaelic Friends Discussion Group, Pictou Library, 1-2 p.m. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to speak Gaelic? Join our small group of people with interest in learning the language. For more information and to register, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Lego Time, New Glasgow Library, 3-5 p.m. Drop in after school to play with our Lego. All ages. The last session this year will be Dec. 21 902-752-8233.

Knifty Knitters, Pictou Library, 3-4 p.m. Drop in to knit and crochet with others every Thursday. Bring your own yarn and needles, patterns and written instructions will be available. New knitters welcome. 902-485-5021, pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Cribbage, New Horizons Seniors Club, Pictou, 6:50 p.m.

First Church Free Soup Luncheons, First Church Hall. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekly until mid-April. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a good, hot meal and lively conversation.

Snowflakes & Stars Crafternoon, Trenton Library, 3-4:30 p.m. Love to make crafts?

Drop by and join us around the table. We’ll be making stars and snowflakes out of paper to take home or decorate the library. All ages. 902-752-5181.

Make Decorative Holiday Swag, Trenton Library, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Make simple decorative holiday swag to add some festive touches to your outdoor décor. Registration required, as seating is limited, and all materials are provided. This workshop was made possible through a Community Wellness Grant from the Pictou Central & East Community Health Board. 902-752-5181, trenton@parl.ns.ca.

Make Your Own Cookbook, River John Library, 6-7:30 p.m. Homemade cookbooks make a wonderful holiday gift and are a family treasure. Tonight, we’ll learn how to design and bind your own cookbook. Seating and supplies are limited, and registration is required. 902-352-2599, riverjohn@parl.ns.ca.

Holiday Fun, Stellarton Public Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us for a story about a special reindeer, make some reindeer food (to guide them to your yard), and enjoy a special scavenger hunt too. Registration encouraged, call 902-755-1638. Friday, Dec. 15 Crafting Circle, with the RJ Square Knitters, Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m., River John Library. Join the RJ Square Knitters for a fun morn-

ing of crafting and chatting. Any crafting project welcome (not just knitting). 902351-2599, riverjohn@parl.ns.ca

Knitting Circle, led by the Stellar Knitters, Stellarton Library, 1-2 p.m. Join us for an afternoon hour of stitching and conversation in a cozy atmosphere. All welcome (bring your own needles, yarn, or hooks). The last session this year will be Dec. 22. 902-755-1638, stellarton@parl.ns.ca

Les Amis Français, Pictou Library, 1-2 p.m.

Looking to learn French or practise speaking it? Join us at the Join the French Discussion Group This is the last session for this year. Limited seating; register in advance. 902-485-5021, pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Lego Time, River John Library, 2-5 p.m. Love Lego? Drop by and build away. 902351-2599, riverjohn@parl.ns.ca.

Chase the Ace Fundraiser, Stellar Curling Club, draw at 8:15 p.m. This is a fundraiser for the Stellar Curling Club and 110 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force Association. Tickets are available at 110 Wing or the curling club on Foord Street, Stellarton, Tuesday to Saturday during open hours. Tickets are also available from several vendors in the area — for a list, contact J.C. Clark at judyandjc.clark@gmail.com. Learn how to make Decorative Bows, with Diana, Stellarton Public Library, 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. Learn to make decorative bows. All materials are provided. Funding support for this program was provided by a Community Wellness grant from the Pictou Central & East Community Health Boards. Registration required: 902-755-1638, stellarton@parl.ns.ca.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Lego at the Library, Pictou Library, 10 a.m.noon. Drop by the library and build with our giant tote of Legos. 902-485-5021.

Queen of Hearts, Tatamagouche Legion Branch 64, 80 Queen St., Tatamagouche. Buy your tickets at same places as last printed. Draw at Legion is today at 4:15 p.m. Legion is open Thursday, 1-6 p.m., Friday 1-8 p.m. and Saturday 1-6 p.m. You can also buy tickets at the Legion on those days.

Auction 45s, New Horizons Seniors Club, Pictou, 6:50 p.m. Admission: $5.

Christ Church Christmas Tea and Sale, Christ Anglican Church, 50 Bridge Ave., Stellarton, 2-4 p.m. Tea, coffee, sandwiches, dessert, baked goods, crafts. $10 admission.

New Glasgow Karate Club Pancake Breakfast, New Glasgow Fire Hall, 8 a.m. Support our club, athletes for tournaments and national events. Adults $10. Kids $6. Kids under age 5 eat free. We will also have pictures with Santa ($5 each) from 9 a.m.11 a.m. All proceeds from pictures go to the Pictou County Food Bank.

Old Fashioned Christmas Carol Sing, First Presbyterian Church Hall, 6:30 p.m. Bottled water and candy canes available. We will

The service started with a reminder from a member of the Leadership Board: The only service on Dec. 24 will be at 6:30 p.m. (The time on the sign outside was incorrect.) We then learned that a member of the congregation passed last Thursday. Internment is not scheduled. The Prayer Leader then led the church in prayer for the family of the deceased. Next, the congregation rose and sang along with a music video of “O Holy Night.” Then came a video from CBM on Advent: Light the Neighborhood. This included scripture references from Isaiah 9:6-7, emphasizing the idea that no matter what is going on around us in the world, God’s Shalom (God’s Peace) will come as promised in Luke 2:12-14 and John 14:26-27. Again, all throughout this, we have been promised and given peace through the presence of Christ in our lives. After this, the Advent Candle of peace was lit.

The congregation then rose and sang along with the music video “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Rev. Paul Worden came to the front and bravely expressed that he had some unease in his heart concerning a personal issue and needed our understanding and prayers. Immediately, Pastor John Dunnett, his dear wife, and our Prayer Leader came forward and did a laying-onof-hands as Pastor Dunnett led the church in prayer for Rev. Worden and his family to enable him to withstand the forces weighing so heavily against him. After this heartfelt session, Rev. Worden thanked the participants and said that he felt he

sing until enthusiasm runs out. Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt , Pictou Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Join us for a special scavenger hunt. 902-485-5021, pictou@ parl.ns.ca.

Monday, Dec. 18

Knit, Stitch and Crochet Circle, New Glasgow Library, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Drop in and bring your knitting, crochet, hooking or other needlework. Beginners welcome; we can help you get started. 902-752-8233, newglasgow@parl.ns.ca.

Rug Hooking, New Horizons Seniors Club, Pictou, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All welcome to drop in to see the beautiful fibre art; $3 drop-in fee. If interested in learning to rug hook, classes can be arranged. Call Nancy Steel, 902-485 -6738.

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023

Lego Time, New Glasgow Library, 3-5 p.m. Drop in after school and test your creativity with the library’s Lego collection or ask our guru for some ideas. All ages. 902-7528233.

Writers’ Get Together, Trenton Library, 6-7:30 p.m. Are you a writer? Are you looking for a creative boost and some community? Long-time published or just starting out, here’s a chance to meet with other writers, talk over concepts, discuss ideas, get editing help and recruit beta-readers. 902-752-5181, trenton@parl.ns.ca.

Northumberland Quilt Group , New Horizons Seniors Club, Pictou, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Meet to socialize and quilt. New quilters welcome. vbaddon@gmail.com.

Book Club, River John Library, 4-5 p.m.

Love to chat about books? Wondering what to read next? The River John Library Book Club meets monthly. This month: The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. Registration required. 902-351-2599. Wednesday, Dec. 20

Children’s Playtime, River John Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Join us for a selection of books, games and crafts. 902-351-2599, riverjohn@parl.ns.ca.

English Conversation Circle, New Glasgow Library, 6-7 p.m. Want to improve your level of English and make new friends in the process? Join us. Conversation Circle is for you if you are: looking to practice your conversational English (whatever your level), hoping to make connections in the community, make friends, volunteer your time and you are 18 years and above. The event is free; registration required. This is the last session for this year To register, contact Nanda, with the Multicultural Association of Pictou County: info.mapc@ gmail.com

Tactile Art Club, New Glasgow Library, 1-3 p.m. Join us for a monthly workshop for persons with visual impairments with artist Sarah Mosher. Each month will be a different art project. Limited seating; registration required. Funding is available upon request to assist with the cost of local

could step forward and proceed with his sermon, assured in the presence and promise of Christ the Lord. It was a truly wonderful, touching moment for the entire church family present.

Rev. Worden then began his sermon by recapping last week’s message, reminding us that we saw how in the passages in the Old Testament, God corrected His children when they strayed. Rev. Worden then read today’s scripture passage, Luke 1:26-38.

Rev. Worden first noted that God was coming to earth to “step into our mess” for His purposes. He used Elizabeth (a woman who was well past her prime) to bring John the Baptist into the world to prepare the way and proclaim the importance of Jesus. And he didn’t put Mary into this position of bearing a child as a child herself, to leave her alone. She had her relative Elizabeth and her husband to help guide her. Then there was her husband-to-be, Joseph, who would receive his own guidance from the Angel of the Lord. And, when Gabriel called Mary “favoured one,” that was a unique distinction of importance. Only one other time in the entire Bible is that Greek phrase used, and it refers to us —t he believers of Christ. We too are the favored ones of God, we’re that important to our Father.

Rev. Worden explained that the wording used in the Bible states that Mary was overshadowed or transfigured by the Holy Spirit, which caused her to become pregnant. To be transfigured means “to change in form or appearance.” Jesus became radiant in glory when he experienced transfiguration. Mary became pregnant. Over 2,000 years ago Christ came into this

transportation. For more information and to register: 902-752-8233 or email newglasgow@parl.ns.ca

Notices

Hector Arena Walking Schedule, MondayFriday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Any changes to the schedule due to hockey tournaments or school events will be posted on the bulletin board and on our Facebook site.

Adult Pickleball, McCulloch Education Centre, Wellington Street, Pictou, every Monday, Thursday & Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The game is a racquet sport; like playing table tennis on the floor. Easy to learn and lots of fun. Racquets and instruction are available. Cost: $3/person.

Chair Yoga, Durham Community Hall, 1679 West River East Side Road, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. $2. Indoor footwear and scent free please. No sign up or fee. If you have questions, please call Sylvia, 902262-2011 and leave a message.

Creation Station, Stellarton Library, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Drop by for Lego, crafts, games and more. All ages welcome. For more info, call 902-755-1638 or email stellarton@parl. ns.ca.

Boredom Busters, Westville Library, noon8 p.m. Drop by for a fun activity or creative project for children. There’s a new activity/ craft each month. For more info, call 902396-5022.

Seniors’ Program Chair Zumba Gold, Union Centre Community Hall, 1 Salter Rd., Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., and Plymouth Community Centre, 2340 East River East Side Rd., Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Stay strong and mobile with chair-based fitness classes. Focuses on flexibility and mobility, bone density, balance, cardio and muscle strength. All abilities welcome. Pay what you can. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, bring water and a positive attitude. For more info, contact Monica Beltrame at monicafit1@hotmail.com, visit the Facebook Group MonicaFit, or call Susan Ross at 902-921-3699.

Seniors’ Program Chair Yoga, Union Centre Community Hall, 1 Salter Rd., Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., and Plymouth Community Centre, 2340 East River East Side Rd., Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Stay strong and mobile with chair-based fitness classes. Focuses on flexibility and mobility, bone density, balance, cardio and muscle strength. All abilities welcome. Pay what you can. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, bring water and a positive attitude. For more info, contact Monica Beltrame at monicafit1@hotmail.com, visit the Facebook Group MonicaFit, or call Susan Ross at 902-921-3699.

Community events listings are available free of charge for non-profits. Deadline for submissions is noon on Fridays. Email submissions to info@pictouadvocate.com. No phone calls.

world to give us freedom, life, and love. Rev. Worden reminded us that, as holders of the title “favoured ones,” we are now the bearers and givers of Christ’s great blessings. Let’s all be like Mary and respond in the same way, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

Rev. Worden ended his sermon with a blessing. The congregation rose and joined in singing along with the music video “Once in Royal David’s City.” The service was ended with prayer.

Submitted by Jean Dwyer

Trinity United church was delighted to host the Trinitarian choir on the second Sunday of Advent. They set the mood of the service from the very beginning as they sang “Masters in this Hall,” a traditional English carol arranged by David Willcocks. The Advent candles were lit by Kaitlyn Touesnard, and scriptures were read by Rosemary Hayter. The advent theme, “How does a Weary World Rejoice?” was deepened this week by imagining how we make connections. The focus on the scripture story of Mary meeting Elizabeth invited us to think about ways we connect in the difficult times of life and the value of connections over the years that we often think about during the advent and Christmas season.

Continued on page 12

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, NEW GLASGOW

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, NEW GLASGOW

Lynn MacDonald and Laura Rowan greeted the congregation for the Advent of Joy service conducted by Rev. Susan Smith. Rev. Susan read a letter of thanks to the congregation from McCulloch Education Centre for the boxes of hats, socks and mittens we had collected for them. David and Laura Rowan led in the Advent Liturgy of Joy.

For the theme conversation, Rev. Susan

asked us what gives us joy? Receiving gifts and opening presents for Christmas gives many of us joy. Having a baby — the most important baby in the world was expected by Mary and she sings a song of joy called “The Magnificat” in today’s reading of Luke. Reflecting on the nativity scene at the front of our church, she pointed out that someone was missing from the scene: baby Jesus. In our church, our custom is to put the babe in his manger into the scene on Christmas Eve, which is actually Christmas Day

in the country where Christ was born. In this manner we celebrate Jesus — the reason we enjoy the season of Christmas!

Laura led the Prayer of Illumination; the Responsive Reading of Psalm 126 and Isaiah 62:1-4, 8-13. I Thessalonians 5:16-24 was left for home reading.

Rev. Susan read the Gospel of Luke 1:46-55 (Mary’s song of joy) known as “The Magnificat.” What would make Mary want to sing, given her condition? Biblical scholars believe that she was a 14-year-old girl, a virgin, betrothed to be married, and with no biological father in sight. K nowledge of her pregnancy would bring shame on her and disgrace for her family; yet she sings a song of joy. How could this be?

Her song is a militant cry of overthrowing power, lifting up the lowly and oppressed. There is strength in His arms; she believes the angels who tell her the news of her baby’s holy birth. Instead of despair and pain, her faith allowed

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, NEW GLASGOW

Continued from page 11

her to sing on that silent night. No one is too lowly, weak, undesirable or outcast in God’s eyes. God sees the content of our heart. Make room for God in your life. Every time we reach out to others to share God’s love, we overturn the bleakness little by little in our world.

The choir, accompanied by Joan Clark, organist/director led in our singing the hymns: “Hope is a Star,” “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” “Hark the Glad Sound,” “Good Christians all Rejoice,” and “A Candle is Burning.”

Gerry Davidson and Munroe Fraser gathered the offering.

Soup Luncheons continue in the Hall from 11:30-12:30; all welcome, no charge, donations accepted.

Saturday at 6:30 p.m., there will be an old-fashioned carol sing in the Church Hall. Bottled water and candy canes provided.

Submitted by Carol MacKay

Other pieces of special music for the day included: “Still a Bach Christmas,” arranged by Jay Althouse and The Icy December (El Desembre Congelat), a traditional Catalonian carol arranged by Victor C. Johnson. The Trinitarians sent us out with “Never Ending Peace” by Cynthia Gray. In the evening, we held our annual tree lighting service, “Alight with Love,” which was held outdoors and followed by Christmas carols and treats inside. Special thanks to Jane Alcorn who offered her musical talent to enhance the evening. Next Sunday we look forward to the musical presentation from the Trinity Choir!