ADVOCATE SEPT 20 2023

Hometown hockey heroes

Hector 250 events popular despite Lee’s stormy visit

By Steve Goodwin Special to the Advocate

Large crowds enjoyed an array of events Hector 250 organizers and volunteers hosted Saturday in Pictou.

The response pleasantly surprised Ship Hector Society board member Darlene MacDonald, especially given the threat of stormy weather from hurricane Lee. She noted how people had crowded in front of the Hector Heritage Quay before it opened.

Some scheduled parts of Saturday’s program were altered or removed due to Lee’s growing power. Rain held off through the morning while winds increased. Deck tours of the Bluenose II did not occur. Nor did the regatta of sailboats from the Pictou Yacht Club where they were secured well in advance of the storm.

Gaelic-related events scheduled for New Horizons were combined with those at the Quay.

“It’s been wonderful, we have tons of volunteers,” she said. “We’ve been talking to people from all over the world. We’ve been pivoting so much, but whatever was to be done got done.”

MacDonald acknowledged how Hector 250 provided an opportunity for residents and visitors to appraise how repairs to the 23-year-old replica of the original Ship Hector have advanced to the point of being able to board the vessel and tour it above and below decks.

“We’ve had a lot of family groups,” she said. “There has been no public access for three years. People are so curious with how far we’ve gone with the restoration.”

Former Pictou County resident Keith Matheson returned to Pictou from his current home in Oliver, B.C., to volunteer for the celebrations connected to the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Scottish settlers aboard the original Hector.

“I planned this since I was last here seven years ago,” he said. “Celebrating 250 years is pretty significant. It’s like I never left.”

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Terry Fox returns

David Sutherland, left, and his wife, Mary Beth Sutherland, stand behind their two grandchildren, William Crips, left, and George Cripps, near the Ship Hector’s bow.

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Brechin Morgan uses his hands to describe his sailing route to Nova Scotia to Hector 250 volunteer Joan Wood aboard the Ship Hector.

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Ted Elliott views information in front of the Hector Heritage Quay on Saturday before hurricane Lee passed through the Maritimes.

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Weavers Mountain wind project nets $25 million in federal funding

By Jake Boudrot jakeboudrot@advocatemediainc.com

A local wind energy project will receive $25 million from the federal government.

Central Nova MP Sean Fraser recently announced a federal contribution of up to $25 million for the Weavers Mountain Wind Energy Project, located on private land in Pictou County, south of Highway 104.

According to a press release, the project will supply nearly 95 megawatts of zero-emissions power and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 165,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

Calling the announcement a “significant milestone” for the project, Jason Parisé, development director with SWEB Development, responded via email that 16 turbines will provide the energy for this project.

“It is expected that a lot of the energy from the project will be used locally given its placement between Antigonish and New Glasgow/Stellarton,” he wrote.

WEB Weavers Mountain Wind LP, a majority Indigenousowned partnership between Glooscap Energy LP and SWEB Development LP, is undertaking the project. Glooscap Energy LP is a 100 per cent Indigenous community owned organization, whose purpose is to explore and implement renewable energy projects.

Over the 25-year time frame of the project, Parisé says the project will directly benefit Pictou County in the form of municipal taxes, employment and business activity.

“Throughout the project’s operational term, approximately $800,000 will be contributed to Pictou County on an annual basis as part of the county’s wind turbine taxation policy,” he wrote. “It is anticipated that the project will create approximately 150 full-time equivalent positions during project construction, and seven full-time jobs

throughout the project’s operation. To the extent possible, the project team will work to procure local labour, materials and services to meet the project’s needs. Beyond these direct benefits, indirect benefits will result from the use of local services such as hotels and restaurants during project construction, in conjunction with benefits emanating from construction and operations teams staying locally during the construction period.”

By powering almost 14,000 homes per year, the federal government said the project is expected to provide clean energy to Nova Scotia’s electricity grid and “deliver low and more stable prices” for ratepayers “in the long term,” while creating approximately 230 new jobs.

The project is expected to provide benefits to underrepresented communities and local organizations in Nova Scotia, according to the press release.

Parisé wrote that the under-represented groups include women working in the renewable energy sector, First Nation communities and African Nova Scotians.

“The project will benefit three under-represented groups throughout its 25-year operational period,” he wrote. “Depending on the production of the wind farm, these under-represented groups will be supported with more than $2,000,000 for their valuable initiatives. These contributions are in addition to several non-financial benefits.”

The project leaders are also working with the Positive Action for Keppoch Society in Antigonish County.

“As well, the project team is currently working with the Positive Action for Keppoch Society (PAK) on electrification initiatives such as researching the potential for an EV-charging station at the Keppoch lodge area, in addition to e-bikes, and an electric shuttle service,” Parisé wrote. “The intent of these feasibility studies and initiatives are to further encourage recreational use of Keppoch Mountain

Police say fire on New Glasgow trail bridge was arson

A fire on the Pioneer Trail Kinsmen Bridge overnight Sept. 15 was arson, according to police.

The New Glasgow Regional Police issued a press release Saturday night that said they received a report that a portion of the trail decking was burned sometime between late Sept. 15 and 7 a.m. Sept. 16.

Police are asking for the public’s help in investigating the case of arson.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact New Glasgow Regional Police at 902-752-1941.

Police continue to investigate.

PICTOU LEGION

The New Glasgow Regional Police continue to investigate what they say was arson on the Pioneer Trail Kinsmen Bridge late last week.

(NEW GLASGOW REGIONAL POLICE HANDOUT)

Glooscap First Nation Chief Sidney Peters and Jason Parisé, development director for SWEB Development LP, following a funding announcement that will see the federal government contribute up to $25 million for the Weavers Mountain Wind Energy Project in Pictou County.

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while offsetting the community’s environmental impact.”

Funding for the project is from the $1.56-billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to replace fossil fuel-generated electricity with renewable energy, battery storage and grid modernization while providing essential grid services throughout the country, the federal government noted.

“Today’s $25 million federal investment in the Weavers Mountain Wind Energy Project will help deliver good-paying, sustainable jobs here in Nova Scotia,” Fraser said in the press release. “This project is a great example of how federal investments in renewable energy are working to support local communities alongside Indigenous leadership to build a clean and affordable electricity grid here in Nova Scotia and across the country.”

Houston reshuffles cabinet, nominates MacFarlane as first female Speaker

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is nominating Pictou West MLA Karla MacFarlane as the first female Speaker when the House of Assembly resumes next month.

MacFarlane will become Speaker on Oct. 12 if voted in by the legislature, which Houston expects to be a mere formality with the Tories holding a majority government.

“It’s been a long-time coming,” Houston told the Advocate “She’ll bring a perspective, a great intelligence. She’s thoughtful and compassionate. Things can get a little emotional (in the legislature) at times, but she’ll do a great job as speaker to keep us focused.”

During the cabinet shuffle last week, Houston said Pictou Centre MLA Pat Dunn won’t return as minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. Dunn was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as MLA for Pictou Centre in 2006 and was re-elected in 2013, 2017 and 2021.

“Pat’s been a great mentor and friend to me, and such a loyal public servant. But he’s not re-offering and (the decision) was purely about succession planning,” the premier said.

Neither MacFarlane or Dunn returned messages for comment on the announcements.

Current Speaker Keith Bain will resign his post on the first day of the upcoming session. He will continue to sit as an MLA.

According to a provincial press release, Trevor Boudreau, MLA for Richmond, will be the minister of Community Services and minister responsible for L’nu Affairs. MacFarlane will assist Boudreau at the Department of Community Services until the House of Assembly resumes.

Kent Smith, MLA for Eastern Shore, joins cabinet as minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Allan MacMaster will take over Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage while retaining his current responsibilities as minister of Finance and Treasury Board, minister of Labour Relations, minister of Gaelic Affairs and deputy premier.

Barbara Adams becomes the minister responsible for Military Relations and continues as minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care.

Twila Grosse, MLA for Preston, will join cabinet as the minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and minister of the Public Service Commission, becoming the first female African Nova Scotian member of the Nova Scotia Executive Council.

Houston says Jill Balser will be the minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women and retains her portfolio as minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Appointments are effective immediately.

Sean Fraser, from left, Member of Parliament for Central Nova and minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, stands with

Marking part of Canada’s history 250 years ago

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

The skies brightened last Friday morning as Hector 250 celebrations got underway in Pictou.

With an estimated 250 in attendance at the opening ceremonies in front of the Hector Heritage Quay, including municipal, provincial and federal dignitaries, the rain held off and the sun made an appearance in advance of the pending storm.

But the weather was not at the forefront, instead it was what took place 250 years ago.

“The ship is a remarkable part of Canadian history,” said Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon, noting it’s a part of history that helps to celebrate the Scottish contribution that helped shape Canada.

Those contributions began in 1773, when the Ship Hector traversed the harsh and unforgiving Atlantic Ocean to deliver immigrants to these shores. More than 200 Scots left Scotland on the Hector, but only 189 survived the crossing to reach their new home.

“Today, we honour that historic crossing (and) we honour our shared history,” she said.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston called the Ship Hector story “a story of hope, hope for a better life across the ocean.”

It helped to launch, Houston said, “a wave of Scottish immigrants that changed our province.”

Following the speeches including from Pictou Mayor Jim Ryan and Central Nova MP Sean Fraser, the dignitaries were taken aboard the Ship Hector, climbing a steep walkway to the deck of the ship. Once there, project manager Vern Shea updated the guests on how the resto-

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ration work is coming along, as well as plans for the future.

The ship is currently undergoing a major refurbishing that should see the boat back in the water in 2024. That is expected to eventually lead to tours around Pictou Harbour.

Sheila Cameron, who grew up in Pictou and now resides outside Ottawa, comes home every summer and stayed to observe the Hector 250 activities. Her ances-

Vern Shea, far right, project manager for the Ship Hector restoration project, as well as Hector Heritage Quay renovations, gives an update on restoration work following the opening ceremonies for the Hector 250 celebrations on Friday. Shea gave a special tour to Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, from left, Pictou West MLA

Gov.Gen. Mary Simon, her spouse Whit Fraser and Central Nova MP Sean Fraser.

tors arrived in what is now Pictou County in the 19th century, settling in Little Harbour and Scotch Hill.

“My people came in the 1800s,” she said, adding that the weekend events, while marking the events of 1773, can also serve as a reminder of what immigrants might face when they travel to an unfamiliar part of the world, even in modern times.

“They were like the immigrants of today,” said Cameron.

St. Andrew’s Society rededicates Pioneer Monument during anniversary celebrations

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

Just off Church Street in Pictou, the bronze interpretation of a Scottish Highlander has cast a steady gaze over the Shiretown for a full century.

It may stand watch for a century more.

A restoration project for the 100-year-old Hector

Pioneer Monument took place earlier this summer and is accompanied by a plaque detailing the arrival of the Hector. The St. Andrew’s Society officially unveiled it Friday afternoon, as a large crowd gathered to witness the occasion. It was part of the Hector 250 celebrations to honour 250 years since the Hector arrived in Pictou Harbour.

“This monument has been overlooking Pictou Harbour for a hundred years, and it serves as a reminder of the strength and endurance of the Scottish immigrants who settled on our shores in 1773,” said Pictou Mayor Jim Ryan.

Designed and constructed by New Glasgow native John Wilson in time for the 150th anniversary in 1923, the Hector Pioneer Monument came with an original price tag of $7,000, a lot of money a century ago.

Pictou County Warden Robert Parker noted that the settlers back in the late 1700s arrived empty-handed after a harrowing 11 weeks spent crossing the ocean, but they managed to survive, with generous help from the Mi’kmaq people as history has shown, and helped to build Pictou County. They cleared land, constructed homes, learned to grow crops, toppled timber and raised families, laying a foundation for future generations.

“A lot of the grit and determination, which Pictou County is known for, came from those Scottish settlers,” said Parker.

Nova Scotia Lt.-Gov. Arthur J.J. LeBlanc was also in

attendance, as was Gaelic Affairs representative Lewis MacKinnon, representatives of the St. Andrew’s Society of Pictou County and the mayors of all five towns in the county.

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.

Karla MacFarlane,

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Karen Peardon, foreground, and Frances Sutherland glance at the plaque that accompanies the newly restored Hector Pioneer Monument in Pictou. Peardon is a descendant of James Patterson, the founder of Pictou.

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With the refurbished Hector Pioneer Monument as a backdrop, Pictou Mayor Jim Ryan is shown with St. Andrew’s Society of Pictou County president Mary Beth Sutherland. The society hosted a rededication ceremony on Friday as part of the Hector 250 celebrations.

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A large crowd gathered outside the Hector Heritage Quay on Sept. 15 for the official opening of Ship Hector 250th anniversary events.

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Pictou native featuring hockey heroes in new book

By Jake Boudrot jakeboudrot@advocatemediainc.com

A familiar face to local residents and those who watch sports highlights is coming out with his seventh book.

Originally from Pictou, Ken Reid, an anchor with Sportsnet Central’s prime-time edition, is set to release Ken Reid’s Hometown Hockey Heroes next month.

A graduate from Pictou Academy in 1992, Reid has been with Sportsnet since 2011 but still returns home every summer.

“Mom lives in Caribou Shores, but my aunt and uncle are in town and all my buddies are back there,” he said. “I always come back, it’s still home.”

In 2014, Reid wrote his first book, Hockey Card Stories: True Tales From Your Favourite Players, which was followed in 2016 by One Night Only: Conversations with the NHL’s One-Game Wonders. In 2017, he helped write Dennis Maruk: The Unforgettable Story of Hockey’s Forgotten 60-Goal Man, and in 2018 he released Hockey Card Stories 2: 59 More True Tales From Your Favourite Players. In 2019, Reid wrote Eddie Shack: Hockey’s Most Entertaining Stories, and in 2020 he completed One to Remember: Stories from 39 Members of the NHL’s One Goal Club

His latest offers a “nice connection to my hometown,” Reid noted.

“When I was kid growing up in the ’80s, the thing to do in Pictou on a Saturday night was go to the Hector Arena and watch the Pictou Mariners. They were my version of the Montreal Canadiens,” he said. “They all had matching socks, they looked like a real hockey team. I could see them up close … I could just go down the hill from my house on Patterson Street and I could watch the Pictou Mariners. I remember it was a buck to get in. I’d go with my buddies, my brother.”

Among the local hockey heroes were players like Wayne Woodacre from Pictou who tried out for the Hartford Whalers. Reid spoke with his widow, as well as Donnie Clarke and Clary Melanson who went to Hartford with Woodacre.

“He went from the Pictou Town Hockey League to a tryout with the Hartford Whalers,” he noted. “I hope that right now in Pictou, that there’s guys still playing who are going to influence the next generation that they can look up to.”

Reid recalls that his favourite player was Dana Johnston, better known as T-Pot, who makes an appearance in his book.

“T-Pot is still the local legend in Pictou. He wins the lobster banding contest all the time, he’s the best golfer, the legendary hockey player, so for me, looking at a guy like T-Pot, he was kind of my Wayne Gretzky of Pictou,” he said.

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“I loved the guy. I even got his autographed stick one year. Just watching him always stuck with me growing up; what an impact he had on me. You’d hear people around town talk about his goal-scoring exploits.”

Reid said there were “so many great players who came out of Pictou,” like Dave and Barry Wisener, Plummie Rice and Ronnie Muise.

“I hope it brings up some memories for people back home,” he said. “I always say if I had a time machine, the first thing I’d do is go back to a Saturday night at the Hector Arena in 1985.”

Remembering those influential players, the Sportsnet anchor took to Twitter more than a year ago looking for other hometown heroes who didn’t make the big time.

“I thought there must be T-Pots in every small town across Canada, so I put it out there,” he said. “I was just flooded with all these messages about players all across the country. It was pretty cool, so I set out to find out about these guys.”

Reid said the book is about great hockey players who didn’t play professionally.

“I think it just comes from my respect level for guys who were good at the game,” said Reid. “Having covered it for all these years, you realize you have to be exceptional to make it to the NHL. You have to be exceptional to make it to major junior, and even if you’re not a household name, what you do, to me, is incredible.”

Reid described himself as a hockey “wannabe” who played midget C and skated for Pictou Academy.

“I have a lot of respect for guys who went to a higher level because I know I tried my best and that’s as far as I could go, and there’s guys above me who didn’t make it all the way but were still pretty good hockey players,” he noted. “You can still be a really good hockey player and make an awesome impact on those who watch you without making it to the pros or without making it to the NHL and that’s what T-Pot did for me, and I think that’s what the guys in this book did for their communities.”

Hometown Heroes talks with players like Bruce Campbell of Sydney who played junior A with the New Waterford Jets.

“You can be a Saturday night hero without showing up on Hockey Night in Canada,” stated Reid. “Those guys on Saturday night on TV, they have a huge impact on us but there’s other guys as well that are a lot closer to home than the guys we see playing for the Leafs or the Habs.”

Not just their communities, Reid said some of these hometown heroes influenced NHL players as well.

“Wayne Gretzky got his pumping the arm from a guy who played senior hockey in Brantford and never made it to the NHL,” he said. “There’s a guy from St. Albert, Alberta, who played senior hockey there, and one of the guys I interviewed in the book, Troy Murray, played years in the NHL. He looked up to this guy.”

Reid said his next book will be about the impact of NHL scouts and the things they’ve seen over the years that don’t show up in scouting reports.

On Oct. 1, Ken Reid’s Hometown Hockey Heroes, will be available at https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/ Ken-Reids-Hometown-Hockey-Heroes/KenReid/9781668015018 and it will be in local bookstores on Oct. 24.

Riding to reunite refugee families

For the third year, Pictou County Safe Harbour is participating in Ride for Refuge, a national fundraiser that supports charities that provide refuge and hope for vulnerable people.

Over the past years, the money raised during the event sponsored the additional resettlement of three families who were given an opportunity to escape from

war and make Canada their new home.

Similar to the previous years, fundraisers are organized in groups and will do different activities to raise funds. The main event will be in Scotsburn this year, where participants will meet at the Scotsburn Fire Hall on Sept. 23, 10 a.m., to ride, walk or hike a portion of the Trans Canada Trail.

A table with snacks and water will be available, where in-kind donations will be collected as well.

The event’s organization encourages fundraisers to be creative and find different ways of raising funds. Selling homemade baked goodies and knitting are some of the ideas. One of Pictou County’s participants will be hosting a workshop on time management in exchange for donations and local restaurants are invited to support the event by donating part of their proceeds to the cause.

Regardless of how the funds are raised, the goal is to get enough money to support these refugee families and help get them settled in Pictou County. Although the event is scheduled for this Saturday, fundraising initiatives will be happening in Pictou County until Oct. 31.

“This year’s fundraising is a very special one because the money raised will support the application and resettlement of family members of refugees that are already living in Pictou County,” said Safe Harbour board member Cathy Hanley in a press release. “Reuniting those families is a priority for Safe Harbour.”

Hanley and her team, the Movers and Shakers, are on the move and collecting donations.

The goal is to reach $25,000 by Sept. 23, but donations will still be accepted until the end of October. Anyone wishing to contribute or join a team can visit rideforrefuge.org/location/pictoucounty.

For more information about the work of Pictou County Safe Harbour, including how to volunteer or make a donation, visit pcsafeharbour.ca or email info@ safeharbour.ca.

Dana Johnston, left, known in Pictou County as T-Pot, stands with Pictou native Ken Reid. Reid features Johnston in his latest book, Ken Reid’s Hometown Hockey Heroes, set to be released Oct. 1. Reid calls T-Pot his Wayne Gretzky of Pictou.

There was ‘a lot of love’ in Ricky Fraser

By Hugh Townsend ght1967@gmail.com

Ricky Fraser spent just eight years among us.

He arrived in New Glasgow as a 20-year-old in 1954 from his native Cape Breton but, when career opportunities arose, he moved on to the much bigger and much busier Toronto marketplace in 1962.

Yet more than 60 years after his departure (23 years after his passing in 2000), I often think of him, often get asked about him, often smile again when I re-read comments he received before and after he died at 65 years old.

In his Pictou County years, he and I began as newspaper colleagues, then opponents with competing papers, but always finding ways to enhance a life-long friendship.

He and I were lucky to be pounding typewriter keys in those exciting times. It was arguably the finest sports era ever in the county: baseball’s Stellarton Albions, softball’s Trenton Scotias, hockey’s New Glasgow Rangers, boxing’s many headliners.

But bigger things in the sports world were bound to happen for the young guy from New Waterford.

When he got established in Canada’s biggest city (in those glorious days when the Maple Leafs were the best organization on frozen water), we remained in touch; attended hockey games and other sports events together, continued to grow our lasting friendship and, at one stage, we were almost colleagues again.

Ricky not only got to Toronto, he became “a favourite” and “a good guy” with the sports media with the leading athletes of the day and everyone else connected with sports, especially in the golf, boxing and hockey communities.

He was sports editor, then news editor of the Examiner in nearby Barrie, before following his writing dreams into Toronto where he wound up having tenures with the big city’s three biggest papers, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Sun and the Toronto Star. His final 18 years were with the Star

When he died, one of his colleagues began a tribute this way: “Golf courses will never be the same again – Rick Fraser will no longer be on them.”

By then, Ricky was firmly known in Toronto and elsewhere as “the dean of golf writers in Canada.”

But first let’s return to his Cape Breton roots. There was one story in particular that I heard him tell many times, and I never tired of hearing it.

An older brother had gotten Ricky, then 17, a job in a local coal mine. Ricky Fraser a coal miner? Hardly.

Recalling his first day underground, Ricky’s story went something like this: “The first day, I asked my brother where we were in relation to above. He told me, ‘You know where the general store is? Well, we’re about a mile from that, under the ocean.’ I put down my shovel and ran to the nearest exit. I never looked back and never went underground again.”

He didn’t stop running until he got to Halifax and landed a job writing sports for the Chronicle Herald

Arriving in New Glasgow as a 20-year-old, he was given the sports editor’s job at the Evening News at the corner of Provost and Forbes streets. A couple weeks after that, he hired me to cover high school sports.

In 1959 when I became the local representative for the Herald, we were competitors at each other’s throats one day, friends eating dinner at the Coffee Pot the next day. We weren’t going to let our jobs hurt our relationship.

Anytime I visited Toronto in the years I scouted for the Maple Leafs, Ricky and I often had coffee or lunch at downtown restaurants, often accompanied by the likes of Punch Imlach, Tim Horton and Kent Douglas.

I learned how the Toronto media and star athletes loved our guy.

Golf was Ricky’s favourite, and the people in it were equally happy when he was around.

When he died, Sandra Post, one of Canada’s greatest-ever stars, said Ricky was “someone you could always trust. Rick loved women’s golf. Press rooms will never be the same without him. He was a very kind man and he always realized he had the power of the pen, but he would rather have the athlete decide his or her own fate.”

Post spoke for many when she added, “There was a lot of love in Rick and he had a great sense of humour. He always had people around him. I’m really going to miss him. I’ve lost a very good friend.”

Jim Hunt, a colleague who often accompanied Rick to The Masters golf tournament, said of him: “He was one of the best-known journalists at The Masters. Wherever you went, everyone seemed to know him. He would hold court out at the lawn.”

Toronto Sun sports editor Scott Morrison said, “There were a lot of guys in the business who owe a debt of gratitude to Rick. He couldn’t do enough for the proteges, as he called a lot of us.”

Some of golf’s greats loved to talk about him and with him. Among friends he had were Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino.

Golf may have been Ricky’s greatest passion but he made many friends in boxing, too. Among the accolades he received in the fisticuffs world was induction into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame.

A media tribute I still read to myself was written by a Toronto Sun reporter upon Ricky’s death. The opening paragraph said much: “The world of sport became a greyer, duller place to play with the death of Rick Fraser, one of the more colourful and beloved reporters of the past 30 years.”

If there was one comment in the media that would have drawn Ricky’s attention, it might have been the headline in the Toronto Sun the day after he passed away in a Mississauga hospital: “Rick Fraser covered golf with honesty and integrity.”

That was the Ricky I knew.

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). 209397

A New Glasgow native and Nova Scotia sports journalist for more than 60 years.

Nearly 200 graduates from the former Aberdeen Nursing School attended a reunion on Sept. 7 at Summer Street Industries to honour those present from the Class of 1973. Graduates celebrating 50 years were, front from left, Laura (MacDonald) Steele, Carol (Porter) Paquin, Cathy (MacKinnon) Laffin, Elaine (Siddall) Fage, Martha Hardy, Lynn (Saulnier) Rafuse. Back row, Marilyn MacKean, Anna Svendsen, Valerie (Embree) Taylor, Alta (MacCoul) Fanning, Barb (Anderson) Fuller, Karen (Nuttall) Evans, Darlene Collins, Peggy (Kaizer) Kirk. (GOODWIN PHOTO)

Keeping the fire burning

It’s been 43 years since a young man in his 20s started out on a cross-country journey many Canadians won’t soon forget.

And this weekend, two communities will remember that man as they host their own Terry Fox Runs. It’s great to see his spirit alive and well, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on so many events. Residents in Pictou County can participate in either event on Sunday, happening in Pictou and Bridgeville.

While many Terry Fox Runs happened across Canada this past weekend, Pictou’s organizers didn’t want to compete with Hector 250 celebrations, and events in the Maritimes were postponed due to hurricane Lee’s arrival.

Hopefully people will come out in droves to support both these events, as cancer has impacted so many of us, whether directly or indirectly. Both are fundraisers, with the money going toward the Terry Fox Foundation. The Bridgeville

Dear Money Lady readers,

event began not long after Fox began his Marathon of Hope, after a young woman in the community passed from cancer. A local community group has been handling the organization for years, taking over from the family.

Events such as the Terry Fox Run allow us to take a moment to reflect on the past, how people and communities have been impacted and the kind of future we can see for ourselves and those around us. The community support gives many people hope, and hope is something we all need these days. These types of events bring people together all for the same cause, all with the same goal in mind. Health issues such as cancer or diabetes, and more, effect us all at least once in our lifetime.

If you can’t open your pocketbook, volunteer your time at these events. Lace up your sneakers and hit the trails.

The world is full of hope, especially while many are keeping Terry Fox’s mission alive.

copter parents

By Christine Ibbotson

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Were you a helicopter parent when your children were small and now you’re a money copter parent with your adult children?

Helicopter parents were mainly from my generation because we were overly focused about our children’s experiences and problems, wanting to dive in and rescue them from life’s hardships. By definition, a helicopter parent is one who was extremely attentive to their child’s experiences, problems and particularly their education. These hovering parents were constantly ready to swoop in to rescue their children at the first sign of trouble. It is said that the term helicopter parent only became apparent through social media in the early 2000s when college and university staff started experiencing consistent and intrusive behaviours from the pushy, opinionated parents of new students.

Nowadays many have become money copter parents too, believing their adult children will not make it without the monetary assistance from the parent. Add in the mental torment of a divorce when your child was young, and you now have a parent today feeling it’s warranted to keep supplementing their adult child due to their own personal regret. Many 50+ parents still have an open-door policy with their adult children, living at home with no costs, free rent and the fridge full.

While helping our children is something we expect to do as parents, it is important to realize the long-term cost this

can have on our own futures as well as the future of our adult children. I want to share a personal story with you, one that I have just witnessed again with another family member repeating the same mistakes as my mom. My mother always felt regret and a sense of need to financially support my sister. Maybe it was due to hardships after my father’s death or perhaps because my sister and I were adopted. The reality is, because of this consistent financial support, my sister never learned to save money or, for that matter, how to earn it and build an independent future. Both my mother and my sister took the easy way out of their relationship through money. Did it benefit either one of them? No. My sister always felt it was never enough, and she only learned how to prosper financially when the money eventually ran out and she was forced to change at almost 50 years of age. My mother lost most of her retirement savings and gained a daughter with resentment. Now, of course, there is a lot more to this story, and it took 35 years to transpire, but the message is still there. Let your adult kids figure it out for themselves. Let them make mistakes with money. Let them value their careers and want to aspire for more out of their lives for themselves and their own family. Stop trying to make it easy and constantly offering a bail out. Did you get a bail out when you were a young adult or did you learn your life lessons from hard work and inner drive?

A child in their late 20s and 30s that is being supplemented to maintain their lifestyle does not view this as an act of love, even when the parent thinks it is. Be careful, your so-called monetary love will, after a while, be expected. All adult children want is true unconditional love, care and emotional support from their parents. They want to be nurtured and cherished, and this can never be done with money. The helicopter parents started out being their children’s cheerleaders. They didn’t throw money at them or pay off credit card bills and school debts. They loved their kids, stuck up for them and told them “they could do anything.” And our kids can. They are the most educated generation of all time. They are amazing young adults. Let them figure out their money themselves. Stop bailing out your children and concentrate on your next adventure: retirement. Let your kids make mistakes. They can figure out their own way without you.

Publisher: Fred Fiander

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

Author, finance writer, national radio host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and CTV News @6 sponsored by East Coast Credit Union. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at askthemoneylady.ca.

Princess Alexandra accepted an Olgivy hunter tartan blanket weaved in Cheticamp from members of the Pictou County Highland dancers during the princess’s visit to Pictou in 1973 for the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Ship Hector’s arrival. Dancers include, from left, Margie Nelson, Margaret MacDonald, Pam Smith and Leslie Smith.

(NOVA SCOTIA COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION CENTRE PHOTO)

Crushers have high hopes for 2023-24 season

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

The first 54 minutes of the Pictou County Weeks Crushers season opener went pretty much according to plan.

Those last six minutes, however, was their underdoing against the Campbellton Tigers on Sept. 14 at the Pictou County Wellness Centre (PCWC).

Paced by two goals each from Lane Lochead and Logan O’Neil and a single from Ben Mercer, the Crushers led 5-3 late in the third, but surrendered three down the stretch to turn the game into a 6-5 loss as the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MJHL) kicked off its regular season.

Westville Boxing Club hosts first card in four years

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

It’s been a long four years since the Westville Boxing Club has hosted a card.

That will change on Sept. 23, when head coach Aaron Kinch and his proteges welcome opponents from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I.

“They’ve been training hard and they’re really excited to fight, especially in front of their hometown for a change,” Kinch said.

The club last hosted a card in September 2019, before the COVID pandemic began to take its toll. Welcoming boxers from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P.E.I., six local fighters are expected to climb into the ring this coming Saturday at the town hall gymnasium in Westville on a card that is tentatively slated to hold between 12 and 15 bouts. Carson Osborne (35 kg), Braeden

Oliver (45 kg), Mitch Keeping (70 kg), Erica Finlay (57 kg), Jake Murray (65 kg) and Angus Wilson (45 kg) will all be boxing in front of the home crowd.

Unlike many Nova Scotia boxing clubs that are just getting back into the swing of things after taking the summer off, the Westville club contingent should be welloiled and ready to go.

“We’ve been training and fighting since the spring,” said Kinch. “We went to cards in New Brunswick, which was good for us because a lot of clubs in Nova Scotia shut down for the summer.”

Tickets are $20 per person and $10 for children under 10, and can purchased at the door or by reaching Kinch at 902-8998500.

Tables of 10 are also available for $250.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the matches are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

“For most of the game, we had it under control,” said coach Garrett Lambke, now in his third year behind the Crusher bench. “But for the last few minutes, for many reasons, it was tough to stop the bleeding.”

Lambke said goaltender Michael D’Orazio played well despite being under fire for the much of the night.

“The shot clock said (Campbellton) had 48, but it seemed like more than that,” he said. “We certainly don’t hang that loss on (D’Orazio), I thought he played great in the opener.”

A review of boundaries and Councillors is required every eight years under the Municipal Government Act of Nova Scotia.

New Glasgow currently elects a Mayor and six Councillors (two from each ward) every four years. Town Council is recommending that the number of Councillors remain status quo as well as the respective of the boundaries of the polling districts.

New Glasgow Town Council will hold a Public Consultation Meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 111 Provost Street, New Glasgow. Citizens of New Glasgow are invited to attend this meeting where an overview of the recommendation to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will be presented.

year,” said captain Keifer Avery, a Westville native. “We definitely want to make a big push in the playoffs and win a league (title).”

The offensive output from Lochead and O’Neil is a good sign for the Crushers, who expect to be contenders in the Maritime Junior Hockey League’s South Division. O’Neil, Riley Seymour and Logan Roop will also be counted upon to produce offensively, while Preston Pattengale, Camden McKenzie and Ray MacKinnon will help anchor a defensive corps that has a “group mentality”, Lambke added.

Three years into a rebuild, the Crushers have high expectations for the season ahead.

“We have big goals coming into this

The announced attendance for their season opener was 1,275.

“It’s exciting as a player to see the Pictou County Wellness Centre full with people. It means a lot to us,” said Avery. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t hang on to the lead, but we’re hoping for some big crowds every night. It helps us, it motivates us.”

Crusher notes - Nick Mahar counted four assists in the loss to Campbellton, and Seymour helped set up two goals.

- The Crushers travel to Amherst on Sept. 20 to take on the Ramblers in a makeup game that had been originally scheduled for this past Saturday. They host division rival Yarmouth Mariners the next night at the PCWC (7 p.m. start time).

- Pattengale, Mahar and Carter Murchison were all named assistant captains for the Crushers.

- D’Orazio, listed at 6’6, will share goaltending duties with 20-year-old Kenzie MacPhail.

Westville naive Keifer Avery has been named captain of the 2023-24 Pictou County Weeks Crushers. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Jake Keeping of the Westville Boxing Club works out under the eye of coach Aaron Kinch during a recent session. Keeping is expected to fight at a card on Sept. 23 at the town hall gymnasium in Westville.

(ADSHADE PHOTO)

The Deadliest Catch star visits Pictou to promote technology combatting ghost fishing gear

Any fisherman understands that keeping the waters clean will help ensure a viable future for the industry.

“If you want a future, you have to invest in that future,” said Capt. Sig Hansen from Discovery Channel’s The Deadliest Catch. “So why not try to keep our oceans clean? That’s our responsibility.”

Hansen has partnered with Resqunit (pronounced “rescue unit”), lending his star power to an endeavour they hope will assist in helping to protect the environment in which fishermen and women ply their trade.

A Norwegian/Canadian ocean technology company, Resqunit develops innovative equipment to locate and retrieve lost fishing gear. Travelling around the Maritimes to promote their product, Hansen and other stakeholders visited Vernon D’Eon Fishing Supplies in Pictou on Sept. 13 to meet with fishermen and women, as well as fans of the show who might never have even been on a fishing boat. The Resqunit is a lost gear retrieval unit that can be attached to a line of traps, in case a fisher loses a buoy because of storms, accidents or by other means. It includes a user-controlled timer release that is set by using on an app on your phone. If needed, the unit will deploy after a set length of time, rise to the surface and allow fishers to retrieve their traps.

lifeline, the technology ensures that gear can be retrieved if ever lost,” the company said in a news release.

Erik Nobbe, chief sales officer for Resqunit, said they started working on the product six years ago.

“We began developing it from a sketch on a napkin in 2017 and had our first prototype in 2018,” he said, noting that mass production of the device started in late 2022. Founded in Norway, Resquit has an office in Nova Scotia. The tour of the Maritimes last week, Nobbe said, resulted in sales of around 1,000 units.

The company has launched the device in Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, pockets of the U.S., southern Europe and Scandinavia –Norway in particular, which Nobbe said might be the most environmentally conscience country in the world. Nobbe said data shows there are an estimated 3.5 million traps in Atlantic Canada alone, and roughly 10 per cent of those are lost every year.

Don and Joyce MacLean travelled from their Westville-area home to meet Hansen.

“I can’t count the number of pots I’ve lost in my lifetime,” Hansen said. “You can imagine how much money is at the bottom of the

water right now. Had I had this 30 years ago, it would be a different story,”

Hansen freely admits that as he’s gotten older, he’s become more aware that in order to help foster long-term sustainability, the fishing industry must do more to protect the waters.

“When I was younger, I really didn’t think

TOWN OF WESTVILLE REVISIONS TO THE PRELIMINARY LIST OF ELECTORS

Municipal Election

November 4,2023

The preliminary lists of electors have been prepared for the upcoming election. The revising officer may make additions or corrections to the list upon application by telephone, fax, e-mail, mail or in person. Electors may find if they are on the list of electors by:

(1) Visiting the municipal office between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-4:30p.m. from September 26 to September 28 at Westville Town Office 2042 Queen St, Westville, NS

(2) Contacting the returning office between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-4:30p.m. From September 26 to September 28

Telephone: 902-755-0828

E-mail : returning.officer@westville.ca

You will be asked for your name, your address and your date of birth

Josephine MacDonald Returning Officer

TOWN OF WESTVILLE NOTICE NOMINATIONS OPEN

TAKE NOTICE that the undersigned will accept nominations for the following office in the Town of Westville for which an election will be held on the 4th day of November,2023.

ONE COUNCILLOR

AND TAKE NOTICE that a nomination shall be filed at the office of the Returning Officer,

Westville Town Office 2042 Queen St. Westville, NS

Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on nomination day which is Tuesday, October 10,2023 or by appointment during office hours in the seven (7) business days preceding nomination day.

DATED at Westville, Nova Scotia, this 20th day of September,2023.

Josephine MacDonald Returning Officer

about it, but you’ve got to fish responsibly if you want a future” for the fishing industry, he said in an interview, prior to meeting and signing autographs for hundreds of fans of the show.

“The Resqunit system offers an affordable solution for fishermen to avoid the loss of essential fishing gear. Acting as a second

Wearing a The Deadliest Catch baseball cap, Don MacLean said he records episodes of the show and binge watches them.

“I’m a big fan of the show, I watch it all the time,” he said, adding he, for decades, fished lobster and other species as a hobby, and to make a little extra money on the side. “I got my licence when I was 14 and I still have it.”

Joyce MacLean grabs a photo of Sig Hansen, left, star of Discovery Channel’s The Deadliest Catch, with her husband, Don MacLean, during Hansen’s stop with Resqunit to Vernon D’Eon Fishing Supplies in Pictou last week.

(ADSHADE PHOTO)

Coffee break

CROSSWORD

Historical periods

Antenna

Burns

Getaway

Responds

Wash lightly

Full of current events

Ringlet

Little songbird

No ifs, ____, or buts

Beerlike beverage

Sears Family Card of Thanks

The family of the late Miriam Anne (Thompson) Sears would like to extend sincere thanks to family, friends, and the community at large since her passing on September 5, 2023. We very much appreciate the many visits, sympathy cards, prayers, mass cards, and prepared meals that were shared with us during this difficult time. Thank you to those that traveled to attend the funeral. The stories you shared with us highlighting Mom’s generosity, kindness, and devotion to family were remarkable, and she would be honoured to know that she touched the lives of so many people. Our family is also grateful for the many donations made in Mom’s honour to the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Society and the Pictou County Food Bank. Your words, gestures of affection, and donations are greatly appreciated.

With gratitude, Michael Sears, Matthew Sears, and Lisa Sears-Walsh

WILSON, Leslie James - MWO (Ret’d) Leslie Wilson, MMM, CD age 58, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25, 2023, after a 3-year-long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and family in the Aberdeen Hospital. He was born 29 July 1965 in North Bay ON to William George (deceased 2005) and Mabel Clarice Wilson (Leck). Les grew up as a military “brat” and then joined the Canadian Armed Forces at the age of 24. In Early 1991 Les met Cathy (they had attended the same high school) and they married in 1993. Both military members themselves, they were stationed to CFB Borden ON, CFB Edmonton Garrison, 4 Wing Cold Lake, Edmonton Garrison and back to Cold Lake. After a brief exit from the CAF, Les rejoined and was then stationed to Cold Lake, Ottawa and then Halifax where he was medically released in February 2023 as a Master Warrant Officer, with 29 years of service and a Member of Military Merit (MMM). Les was deployed to Bosnia twice, Camp Mirage, and Afghanistan serving the country he loved. Les was a huge Toronto Maple Leaf Fan from his youth, and his love for hockey carried on as he played minor hockey, both competitive and recreational, and then in the military and the civilian sector as well until the season ended early in 2020 due to COVID-19. There was always a need for a goalie and there were many weeks during hockey season he would be on the ice at least 5 days a week. Not only did he play himself, but he coached both his boys in Minor Hockey from Novice to Bantam. Hockey is a huge part of the Wilson Family legacy. Volunteering was also huge on Les’s things to do with being on Minor Hockey boards in Edmonton, Cold Lake, and Hockey Alberta. He took coach courses as often as he could to make sure he gave those players the coach they deserved. Les was a strong, loving, funny, caring, husband, father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, brother in arms, and a service-before-self kind of man. His family was his world. Les liked to double down on dates and his death was no exception. He passed on the 18th Anniversary of his father’s death. Les is survived by his loving wife Cathy (Locke) Wilson of Durham, NS, his two sons Keegan Wilson of Edmonton, AB, Justyn (Alicia Bouchard) Wilson of Bonnyville, AB, his mother Mabel Clarice Wilson (Leck – born in Middle Musquodoboit, NS) and partner Dennis of Calgary, AB, sister Della (Rick) Clarke of Yarmouth, NS, brothers Thomas (Ramona) Wilson of Chestermere, AB, Robert (Jolayne) Wilson of Cold Lake, AB, sisters Laura Lee (deceased 1967) and sister Sandra (Billy) Robinson of Hunts Pt, NS and all their families. He also leaves behind his father and mother-in-law Verdon (Beverly-nee Palmer) Locke of Durham, NS, sister-in-law Tania Locke of Cold Lake, AB, and brother-in-law Trevor (Candice Parker) Locke of MacLellans Brook, NS, and all their families. He will be deeply missed by all the uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins left behind as well. Les was cremated. He didn’t want a big fuss made. He just wants a beer call. The Celebration of Life (beer call) will be held in the summer of 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or Soldier On.

MACLENNAN, Marvin J., Scotsburn - Marvin James MacLennan, age 69 of Scotsburn, lost his courageous battle with cancer on September 11, 2023, surrounded by his family. Our Dad was a small man in stature, but had a huge heart, and was a force to be reckoned with. He fought so hard to stay with us all. Marvin was born July 3, 1954 to Arthur and Josephine (Acorn) MacLennan in Montague, Prince Edward Island. He was president of the Albion Boxing Club for over 20 years, where he dedicated his time to helping young people accomplish their goals of becoming great fighters while building their character. Marvin was lovingly known in the biking community as Papi, where he was an original member and current VP of the KATT SASS MC. He took great pride in the charitable contributions that the club provided, and of utmost importance to him was the annual JDRF bike rally, taking place this Saturday, September 16 in Scotsburn. One of his last wishes was to ensure that the club members were there to offer full support, and to carry on the tradition. Marvin is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Dale (Sullivan); their children, Joelene (Doug) Lawson, Tami (Ricey), Shane (Sandy) Roddick, Matt (Jenn) and Luke. Loving Bampi to his grandchildren, Evan, Brenna, Gabe, Dylan, Erin, Jessa, Courtney and Lexi. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Sheldon; sister, Shirley; two siblings in infancy; and his first wife, Josephine. The family would like to thank Dr. Rowe, Halifax Cancer Centre, the Truro, Tatamagouche and Aberdeen Hospitals, EHS, Glenn Hicks and staff at Pictou Pharmacy, Milton MacLeod, Melissa Iriving, and Sheryl Baird for their love and support, and everyone else who touched our lives in any way. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Team, Rachel MacDonald and the VON, who helped support us as a family to keep Papi home with us for as long as possible. Our final thanks to the Scotsburn Volunteer Fire Department. These volunteers left their families and jobs on more than one occasion to give our family comfort and support until EHS arrived. If you wish to make a donation in Marvin’s memory, please give to the Scotsburn Volunteer Fire Department. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 14th from 6-9 p.m. in McLaren Funeral Home, 246 Faulkland St., Pictou. The funeral service was held on Friday, September 15th at 2 p.m. in McLaren Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating. A reception followed at the Pictou Legion at 3 p.m., 130 Veterans Drive, Pictou. Papi, we know you are up there riding in heaven with your brother Bear.

Biker’s Prayer:

“May the sun rise in front of me, the rain fall behind me, and the wind follow me”

In the words of our Dad…”Catch ya later kid” www.mclarenfuneral.ca

things. He also enjoyed reading. Cremation

Zwicker, Frank Henry, Durham / New Glasgow - age 92, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023. He was the oldest of 15 children. His parents were Mary (Brae) and Frank Zwicker. Frank is survived by his wife, Carol (McCullough); son, Gordon (Paula); daughter, Brenda (Mel) and 3 grandchildren. Frank worked in the soft drink industry for 48 years. He enjoyed life, liked to garden, putter in his workshop,

service will take place in Seaview

thank you to the wonderful

Haven Manor and staff of Aber-

Care. www.mclarenfuneral.ca

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Wednesday, Sept. 20

ABCs for Babies, New Glasgow Library, 10:15-11 a.m. Join us in the library’s community room for songs, stories and fun. For ages 0-18 months. Registration recommended, but walk-ins welcome. For more info, call 902-752-8233 or email newglasgow@parl.ns.ca.

Family Storytimes, Pictou Library, 10:3011:15 a.m. Join Ms. Bonnie for a family fun adventure, with preschool story times. For more info or to register, call 902-4855021 or email pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Tactile Art Club, New Glasgow Library, 1-3 p.m. Join Sarah Mosher and Visually Impaired Pictou County for a monthly tactile art workshop for persons with visual impairments. Each month will be a different art project. Funding is available upon request to assist with the cost of local transportation. For more info or to register, call 902-752-8233 or email newglasgow@parl.ns.ca.

Thursday, Sept. 21

Lego Time, New Glasgow Library, 3-5 p.m. Drop by to play with LEGO. All ages are welcome. For more info, call 902-7528233.

Legos and Crayons, Westville Library, noon-8 p.m. Love Lego and crayons? It’s Lego and Crayon Thursdays. Drop by to play with Lego and colour away with crayons. All ages welcome. For more info, call 902-396-5022.

ABCs for Babies, Pictou Library, 10:3011:15 a.m. Join us for songs and stories. For ages 0-18 months. For more info or to register, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Family Storytimes in Laurie Park, 10:1511 a.m., Drop by Laurie Peace Park (next to the New Glasgow Library) while the weather is still nice outside. We’ll have stories, songs and crafts. Bring your own blankets to sit on. In case of bad weather, meet in the New Glasgow Library’s community room. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. For more info, call 902-752-8233 or email newglasgow@parl.ns.ca.

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 interested in learning Gaelic. For more info or to register, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@ parl.ns.ca.

Knifty Knitters, Pictou Library, 3-4 p.m. Drop in to knit and crochet with others. Bring your own yarn and hooks/needles;

patterns and written instructions will be available. New knitters and crocheters are welcome. For more info or to register, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@parl. ns.ca.

Free BBQ Social, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 New Glasgow, 3-7 p.m. The New Glasgow legion will will celebrate National Legion Week with a free barbecue social.

Thursday Night Film Club, New Glasgow Library, 6-8 p.m. Drop by for free movies on the big screen at the library. This month we will feature the newly released Wes Anderson film Asteroid City. For more info, call 902-752-8233 or email newglasgow@ parl.ns.ca.

Book Club, Pictou Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Love to chat about books, what you are reading and what to read next? Tonight will be special hybrid book club night, welcoming our book clubbers to meet at the library or by Zoom. For more info or to register, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association Monthly Meeting , UCT Building behind Summer Street Industries, Park Street, New Glasgow, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 22

Knitting Circle, Stellarton Library, 1 p.m. Bring your own project, or we can get you started on a new one. Have fun crafting, chatting and sharing ideas with our members. Any crafting project welcome, not just knitting. For more info, call 902-755-1638.

Knitting Circle, River John Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Led by the RJ Square Knitters, drop by for a fun morning of stitching and chatting. All ages welcome. For more info, call 902351-2599.

Les Amis Français, Pictou Library, 1-2 p.m. Looking to learn French or practice speaking your French? Join us for a French discussion group. For more info or to register, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@parl. ns.ca.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Queen of Hearts, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 64, Tatamagouche, is on the go again. You can buy your tickets at same places as last printed. Draw at legion is Saturday 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 buy your tickets at legion all three days also.

Lego at the Library, Pictou Library, 10 a.m.noon. Drop by the library Saturday mornings and build with the giant tote of Lego. For more info, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Hector 250 events popular despite Lee’s stormy visit

Continued from page 1

Brechin Morgan was among those of Scottish heritage from away who was determined to experience Hector 250. He lives in Milford, Conn., and sailed alone around the world 20 years ago on a 27-foot sailboat he piloted from Provincetown, Mass., to Nova Scotia before Lee’s arrival. He ended up mooring the craft in Lunenburg and travelled over land to Pictou.

“We expected to sail here from Provincetown,” he said, while touring the Hector. “This is an amazing boat.”

David and Mary Beth Sutherland and their two grandchildren also checked out the Hector. David and Mary Beth were among those in the re-enactment group portraying the 84th Highlander Emigrants that performed during the Hector replica’s launch in 2000.

“It’s an amazing thing,” David said, regarding the progress on the ship’s overhaul.

Karaoke, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108, River John, 7 p.m.- midnight. Admission is $5; 50/50, bar open. Game for the karaoke singers only: Chase the King of Diamonds.

Women’s Grief Support Group , New Glasgow Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. A monthly women’s grief support journaling group. This is for any women who have lost a loved one and are struggling. Bring a journal, pen and an open mind. This group is facilitated by Dawn Peters, MSW RSW. For more info, call 902-752-8233 or email newglasgow@parl.ns.ca.

Found Poetry, Trenton Library, 11 a.m. Are you intimidated by poetry? Learn how to see poetry and express your own point of view in other people’s words and text during this exploration of Found Poetry. This workshop is accessible to beginners. No previous experience necessary. All materials provided. Ages 13+. About the instructor: Mal Kishii is a queer artist, poet, and writer of speculative fiction who moved to Nova Scotia for love.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint, New Glasgow Library, noon. Join Nancy MacRae for a six-week workshop on how to reduce your carbon footprint. Nancy writes a blog for the Town of New Glasgow and has a Facebook page, Going Green at 70.

Sunday, Sept. 24

Service of Praise, St. George’s Presbyterian Church, River John, 7 p.m. Featuring the choir from Little Harbour Presbyterian Church. Join us for a wonderful time of praise. A free-will offering will go toward mission projects of St. George’s AMS group. Light refreshments following in the church hall.

Monday, Sept. 25

Auction 45s , Meadowville-Poplar Hill Community Hall, Black River Road, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Lego Time, New Glasgow Library, 3-5 p.m. Drop in and play with our Lego. All ages are welcome. For more info, call 902-752-8233.

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. For more info, call 902-752-5181 or email trenton@parl.ns.ca.

Toddle Time, Pictou Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Families are welcome to join Ms.

“This takes us back to the days they launched it,” Mary Beth said.

Winds were gusty and at times gale force at ground level Saturday. However, they were so fierce that people had to remove and secure their caps to keep them from blowing away.

Indoor strolls among the Quay’s attractions on the ground floor and upstairs drew a multitude of people, including those whose forebears were among the original Hector’s passengers.

Raymond MacPhail and Gavin Graham’s blacksmith demonstrations also attracted visitors. They showed how to provide the right amount of air for the forge’s flame to temper and pound medals in different shapes.

Ted Elliott spent time reading about the history related to the Ship Hector.

“Pictou is such a beautiful town,” he said. “I never knew Nova Scotia meant New Scotland. It’s the history of Pictou that draws me.”

Bonnie for songs, games and stories. For more info or to register, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Beginner Guitar Lessons, Westville Library, 6-7 p.m. Want to learn the basics of playing guitar? Join us for a session of three workshops in September. You must bring your own guitar and tuner. This workshop series is for ages 12+. For more info or to register, call 902-396-5022 or email westville@parl. ns.ca.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

ABCs for Babies, New Glasgow Library, 10:15-11 a.m. Join us in the library’s community room for songs, stories and fun. For ages 0-18 months. Registration recommended, but walk-ins welcome. For more info, call 902-752-8233 or email newglasgow@parl.ns.ca.

Family Storytimes, Pictou Library, 10:3011:15 a.m. Join Ms. Bonnie for a family fun adventure, with preschool story times. For more info or to register, call 902-485-5021 or email pictou@parl.ns.ca.

Book Club, Trenton Library, 1-3 p.m. Love to chat about books and wondering what to read next? Join the monthly book club. For more info or to register, call 902-752-5181 or email trenton@parl.ns.ca.

Notices

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.

Adult Pickleball, Highland Tennis Courts, Brody Park, Pictou, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.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 is $2/person.

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.

Navigation Course ,Trenton Park. A Navigation Maps and Compass course will be offered on Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. to Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. Participants receive Outdoor Council of Canada national certification. For more info or to register, visit www.hikenovascotia.ca.

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.

Janice Porter and Jack Cowan greeted worshippers to the service conducted by Pastor Pat Wilson.

Murray Hill read Scripture from Romans 14:1-12 and Matthew 18:21-35. On this Scripture, the message entitled “The Birds of a Feather” was given.

The first reading told how we should live our lives, not judging others or looking down on them. We are not the ones to judge but it is sometimes easier said than done. Pastor Wilson gave several samples of judging others even within the church. When people are different or when a new prayer book or hymn book is introduced, we tend to judge others by our own standards.

The second Scripture told of the rich landlord who forgave his

servant who could not pay but that same servant would not forgive another who could not pay him.

Going back to last Sunday when the message was to love others, we were told if we accept all with love they will know. We are to see all as a child of God. God loves your neighbour as much as you.

This week, Wilson urged us to “see how many people you can connect with, smile and see them as a child of God.”

Upcoming events in the church include coffee time after church on Oct. 8 and again on Oct. 29 when Halloween cupcakes will be sold as a fundraiser. Our annual ham and potato salad take-out will be held Oct. 13.

Submitted by Betty Ann Battist

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – PICTOU

Participants to take to Pictou, Bridgeville for Terry Fox runs

By Kevin Adshade kevinadshade@pictouadvocate.com

The image of the one-legged young man running across Canada that summer of 1980 remains indelible for those old enough to remember.

“Terry Fox is a true Canadian hero,” said Robert Parker, who, for the 26th time, will participate in the Terry Fox Run this year in Pictou. “He had nothing to gain for himself. True heroes do things for the betterment of other people.”

In a world that sees the word “legend” tossed around easily, Fox is a Canadian icon and remains a national hero; the determined look on his face as he ran mile after mile (he did a marathon every single day) still inspires, 43 years after Canadians first learned his name. The annual Terry Fox Run “helps keep Terry’s memory alive, and that’s really important,” said Parker, who is running this year in memory of former Westville town councillor Meghan Bragg, who died from cancer this past summer at the age of 37.

Jean Harroun and Ann Gunning have been involved with the Terry Fox Run in Pictou as organizers and participants.

“You can’t forget him,” Harroun said, adding that Fox’s story inspires generations. “The people who started with the run in Pictou, their children are coming out now and their grandchildren are coming now.”

The cancer that would eventually claim Fox’s life returned later in the summer of 1980 and forced him to abandon his Marathon of Hope. He passed away nine months later at age 22, but the Terry Fox Run helped further cement his legacy and is now held in more than 60 countries around the world.

FAST FACTS

“People under 50 wouldn’t really remember Terry, so it’s still important for young people to know about him,” Parker said.

Most Terry Fox Runs were held Sept. 17 but this year, organizers of the Pictou event pushed it back seven days because of the Ship Hector anniversary celebrations.

“It’s sad that he died so young, but he did so much good,” said Gunning. “Despite his pain and suffering, he was doing it for others.”

Bridgeville run still an annual event

The Terry Fox Run Bridgeville has been a mainstay in that community since the 1980s when a local citizen named Beth Scott died from cancer at a young age. Her passing inspired her family to start the Bridgeville run, which was taken over some years ago by the Bridgeville Women’s Institute.

“It’s dwindled in numbers over the years, but a lot of them are still coming out every year,” said Edie Green, who has been a key organizer for more than 15 years.

The Bridgeville run was postponed until Sept. 24 due to the anticipated weather of this past weekend.

Green can remember first learning of Terry Fox when she watched a television clip of him in St. John’s, dipping his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean, before setting out on his Marathon of Hope.

“There was something about him, he had such magnetism. Anyone who ever met him thought the world of Terry, even if they only saw him on TV.”

Registration for both events begins at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 24; the Pictou event starts at the Hector Quay Marina, while Bridgeville starts and ends at the community centre.

- The Marathon of Hope started in St. John’s, Nfld., on April 12, 1980.

- By the time he reached Ontario, Fox was a national news story and a Canadian hero.

- The Marathon of Hope ended near Thunder Bay, Ont., on Sept. 1, 1980, when doctors discovered that the cancer that had taken his leg three years previously had returned. He had run 3,339 miles.

- Fox died on June 28, 1981, one month shy of his 23rd birthday.

- As of 2022, more than $850 million has been raised in Fox’s name for cancer research. Across Canada, parks, schools, roads, sports venues, highways and even an 8,700-foot mountain in his home province of British Columbia (Mount Terry Fox) bear his name.

Jean Harroun, left, and Ann Gunning are once again involved with The Terry Fox Run in Pictou, being held this year on Sept. 24 after a postponement from this past weekend.

(ADSHADE PHOTO)