The Reporter

Page 4

Official status of Antigonish consolidation still unknown

Page 7

Dr. Collins recognized with Healthy Communities Leader Award

Pages 14-15

Strait Area Community Curling Club wraps 2023 season

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

INVERNESS: The Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation just received its largest ever donation in their history.

Well known for their generosity throughout Inverness County and beyond, Zutphen Contractors Inc. or more fondly known as Zutphens, graciously donated $1 million on April 11, in honour of their past and present employees.

Brenda Rankin MacDonald, the foundation’s fundraising coordinator indicated while the donation will help their patients and staff with future equipment purchases or projects, she couldn’t say for certain what the money will be earmarked for exactly.

“Right now nobody knows, nothing has been determined yet,” MacDonald told The Reporter. “All departments are making lists, it could be a wide array of things, and I don’t necessarily know the priority.”

Expressing their gratitude and the fact they were incredibly thankful for the historic donation from a local company.

“Zutphens has been a pillar of generosity to our hospital for years,” MacDonald said. “They were an intricate part of our fundraising efforts during the expansion and renovation project where Zutphens, not only donated but also lobbied for major donors on our behalf and certainly helped us to exceed our fundraising goal during that campaign.”

With over 110 employees, Zutphens is one of the largest employers in Inverness County as well as one of the largest heavy civil and marine construction contractors in Nova Scotia.

Founded in 1964 by John and Ted van Zutphen, the contracting company is now owned and operated by second generation, Vincent, Leonard and Harvey van Zutphen.

“Our employees are the centre of our business and we appreciate them all, including those who work with us

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

ANTIGONISH: Antigonish County District RCMP say they have laid four charges of sexual assault against a man, a situation that’s involving at least four victims. RCMP safely arrested 22-year-old Omogbolahan (Teddy) Jegede on April 14 at a home on Church Street.

“On March 15, 2023, Antigonish County District RCMP received a report of sexual assault involving a female victim,” Public

now and years ago,” Zutphen co-owner Harvey van Zutphen said. “Many of them and their families use the services at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital for their care and it would be only fitting to honour them with this donation.”

Heather Gillis, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital facility manager was very appreciative of the dona-

Information Officer Cpl. Chris Marshall told The Reporter. “RCMP officers learned that an Antigonish man had sexually assaulted the woman in September 2022 and had been harassing her since the incident.”

As their investigation continued, RCMP officers learned that three additional women had also been sexually assaulted by the same man, between September 2022 and February 2023.

StFX provided The Reporter with a statement that in March the univeristy received more than one allegation involving the

tion.

“I would like to thank the van Zutphen families for their incredible donation,” Gillis said. “Over the years, our hospital has experienced much growth and change. This donation will give us the ability to evolve and respond to the needs of our patients as well as continue to provide excellent care to our communities.”

same individual as the alleged perpetrator, and have since been advised criminal charges have been laid against the individual.

“I want to take this opportunity to state unequivocally that the safety of our campus to students, faculty, and staff is a priority for our university. StFX does not tolerate sexual violence and no member of our community is exempt from our commitment to sexual violence prevention,” Elizabeth Yeo, vice-president of student services said in an email to the campus community.

“Upon receiving the disclosures and in accordance with Sexual Violence Response Policy, a qualified and trauma-informed investigator immediately launched an investigation and the university initiated measures to ensure the protection of all involved, including the broader campus community. Among these measures, the respondent was removed from campus indefinitely.”

Continued on page 4

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

ANTIGONISH: A mother of two young boys says when she couldn’t find support for her children within the provincial health care system; she turned to the Kid’s First Family Resource Center.

Born in the landlocked country of Moldova, in Eastern Europe, Maria Novak – who proudly has a Bachelor in Social Work and is a local CCA in the community – gave birth to her two sons in Nova Scotia and has been advocating for their health concerns ever since they’ve been born.

“I don’t have a lot of friends, nor close family – but I kind of grew my own family, and now I have a couple of very, very good friends,” Novak told a gathering of people. “It’s very hard for us newcomers to feel a sense of belonging – because – I used to get

this question all the time, “Do you like it better here or in Moldova?” and there’s no such thing, because my heat is like broken in two.”

During the Lunch and Learn event on April 12, hosted by the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association (ACALA), Shayla MacDonald, the organization’s administrator advised the talk was a part of the series Check Me Out, which has been based on the human book project, where they hear stories of people lived experiences.

Novak shared her lived experience in the Antigonish community with parenting along with her connection to Kid’s First, a non-profit charity that provides free programs and services to families.

The Antigonish location of the Kids First Family Resource Center at 83 Kirk Street, has numerous programs and services including: Coffee and Conversation on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; general play groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., a Learning Together playgroup on Tuesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. focusing on families who may be struggling with isolation, parenting, supports or finances with children up to 18 months; a Baby and Me service for pre-natal parents and parents with children up to the age of one, on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; a Havre Boucher playgroup at the Havre Boucher Community Centre on Wednesdays from 9:30 am. to 11 a.m.; they also host Friday morning parent education sessions along with pre-natal classes for expecting parents.

Returning from the IWK’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after the birth of her first son in 2018, Novak was visited by a public health nurse and became aware of the programs and services offered by her local Kid’s First.

“My second child Jasper, who is only 14-months-old, has health issues that are being investigated,” she said. “I keep knocking on doors and being dismissed, and I keep knocking on doors, and I’m not being polite, because I’m not a Canadian.”

Her comments on the stereotypically Canadian personality trait resulted in a tremendous uproar of laughter from the almost 25 people in attendance.

“It was really challenging. I’m bringing my concerns to doctors, and I’m being dismissed so my refuge became Fid’s First,” Novak said. “I was going there and sharing all my pain, and just by listening and being there, they actually helped much more than they can ever realize.”

Still without a diagnosis, and without her immediate family supports, she needed to find a local source of support, which she

found in spades at Kid’s First.

“Everybody keeps saying that I’m so strong, I don’t see that, because of all the struggles it was hard to see the reality in life, the joy and all the good things,” Novak said. “And when you don’t think your world can come crashing down any further, but guess what it can.”

Advising she flew back to her home country in September for a visit, since she was on maternity leave, and wanted a second opinion on the health of her babies, and when they were in the hospital, her oldest started to experience a limp in his step.

“And I was thrown a diagnosis that he should not be walking for two years, so basically no weight-baring,” Novak said. “He was on crutches for a while, one was painted blue and one was painted purple, and people thought it was a joke, for fun, and I thought who does this? Who pretends to be sick.”

So again, the mother of two found herself fighting with the medical system and was finding herself being dismissed; after a second doctor advised her son was limping because he was in a hospital.

“What four-year-old pretends to be sick and doesn’t want to go outside and play and have fun,” Novak said. “This advocating part in the medical system has become my life’s work.”

Speaking on her culture’s ideologies on asking for help, she indicated while they’re not proud to ask for assistance, noting it’s a sign of weakness; Novak realizes the actual strength behind asking for help.

“The fact I’m able to go and open up, and bring up my pain and ask for that supportive help, that was a big milestone for my personal growth.”

Newspapers Play a Key Role in Our Communities

From

Photo by Drake Lowthers Maria Novak found herself being dismissed by the provincial medical system and turned to the Kid’s First Family Resource Center in Antigonish for support.

Farmer’s Pantry onwer grateful for community support

by Dana MacPhail-Touesnard

ST. PETER’S: One could be forgiven for walking into The Farmer’s Pantry and thinking you’ve entered someone’s cheerfully decorated home. The smell of coffee and baked goods greet you as you walk past comfy sofas, rocking chairs and other touches of home.

The Farmer’s Pantry is a business, but the homey feel is no accident.

Owner/operator Jennifer Snowdon opened her business in November 2020 and says it was in some part inspired by the sense of disconnection caused by COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. It led to deeper contemplation of what really matters and a subsequent desire to seize the day.

Although the timing added masking, social distancing and enhanced cleaning requirements to an already full list of tasks, Snowdon says in some ways it was kismet that the core of her first year in business came from the local community.

In particular, she recalls late April 2021 when new provincial restrictions were announced forcing eating establishments to close for in-person dining. Snowdon’s husband, Troy, built a small takeout window at the front door and customers lined up, sometimes in the rain, to wait for their drinks and treats.

Snowdon said the humbling experience showed her how much community support she had.

“Even though those were our tougher times, they were also kind of really good

ones,” she reflected.

In addition to help from close family and friends, Snowdon says she is truly grateful to members of the larger community who continue to show support.

Just last week the staff was gifted a bouquet of flowers from an appreciative customer, with a note that read “Just because you’re awesome,” and another businessowner in the community, Cindy Walker from Pepperell Street Inn and Chocolatea Shop, delivered a special Easter egg as well as a gesture of kindness.

With her family also ready to help at every turn, Snowdon began by taste-testing products, creating recipes for specialty drinks and baked goods, as well as preparing the location at 10042 Grenville Street.

She knew she wanted organic, fair-trade coffee - and began a strong relationship with Laughing Whale Coffee Roasters, based in Lunenburg – and homemade baked goods that would pair well with tea and coffee.

In the first few weeks, though she had lots of help from family and friends, she still found herself baking until late at night, only to wake up early to open the shop and then do it all over again.

That was until she added Karen MacDonald to the team to handle the oatcakes, breakfast cookies and other staples.

Also given free rein to expand the bakery section, MacDonald’s creations now include skillfully decorated cupcakes, pies, cookies and breads that have become very popular. So popular in fact, that when the space in the lower level of the building became available Snowdon decided to take a chance and rent that space as well, moving the baking operation downstairs.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Snowdon serves drinks and treats alongside Billy Carter and Brandy Touesnard and she has nothing but gratitude for her staff.

“I could not have asked for better or planned it better and it was just the way that it kind of all came to be,” she said, noting that her customers often comment on how good her staff is, and have even said they were so welcoming and attentive they couldn’t tell who owned the business.

Snowdon says she also wanted the décor of her business to reflect her love of entertaining in a warm and comfortable place.

Her parents, Debbie and Fraser Martell, who have travelled for supplies, washed

dishes, decorated coffee sleeves and much more to help out, also opened their storage shed.

When she began to decorate her business, she was able to rely on her mother’s keen eye for flea market treasures.

“We always made fun of her because she always had all these tables in her shed and, you know, who’s laughing now,” she says smiling, sitting at one of those tables.

A wood-burning stove brought from her own home, her father’s childhood sled hanging on a wall, a rocking chair from her aunt, and a piano from family friends help to complete the dining room.

Her sisters, Ashley and Brandy, have both helped in numerous ways as well since the beginning and Brandy has joined the staff in recent weeks to offer additional hot lunch items.

Regular customer Robyn Mombourquette says the food and drinks are top shelf but it’s the welcoming and kind staff that makes it a truly special place.

She describes it as a “safe and inclusive space,” that feels like a busy and welcoming family home.

“The only thing that’s missing is the pile of shoes at the door.”

MODG awards sidewalk tender, holds special meeting to approve increased cost

by Lois Ann Dort

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Guysborough Journal

GUYSBOROUGH: Director of Public Works for the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) Glen Avery’s report to the monthly committee of the whole meeting on April 5 kicked off a lengthy discussion about spending, the need for sidewalks in the community of Guysborough and increased costs for capital projects.

In describing the project, which entails four new sections of sidewalk – Main Street to Guysborough Memorial Hospital, Church Street to Chedabucto Mall, Route

16 intersection with New Road to Sunnyville Road, and from Route 16 along Green Street to Chedabucto Education Centre/ Guysborough Academy – Avery noted that the Class ‘C’ estimates for the project 10 years ago have significantly increased in the intervening years, and further increase with every construction season.

Only two tenders were received for the sidewalk project in Guysborough. The lower bid was received and, in a special council meeting held after the committee of the whole, the work was awarded to S.W. Weeks Construction for $4,135,397, plus HST.

Avery told council that MODG staff and Strait Engineering have worked to identify

potential areas of saving in the accepted tender proposal and, to date, have found almost $200,000 in savings on items like traffic control and seeding versus sod. The project received federal funding of $2,377,000, with an initial approval of a municipal contribution of $1,583,000. The capital cost allotted for the project in the 2023/2024 budget is $3,960,000. With the accepted tender above budget, the MODG may now need to make up the shortfall which, with HST, engineering and contingency is $481,741 – including the above projected savings.

Discussion around the council table mainly focused on the increased cost

of the project. Councillor Hudson MacLeod voiced concerns about the rising capital cost of such projects, given the loss of revenue in the municipality with the conclusion of the Sable Offshore Energy Project.

MODG’s Director of Finance Danita Imlay explained that some of the monies listed for capital projects in last year’s budget had been carried over into the 2023/2024 budget.

The Farmer’s Pantry is open from Tuesday to Saturday, often hosting live entertainment on weekends.

Snowdon’s mother, Debbie Martell, comes to the shop each morning to personally decorate coffee sleeves for The Farmer’s Pantry She adds special details for holidays and special occasions.

Owner/operator Jennifer Snowdon is pictured outside the bright yellow building that houses The Farmer’s Pantry on Grenville Street in St. Peter’s.

Photos by Dana MacPhail-Touesnard Staff of The Farmer’s Pantry include, from left, Brandy Martell Sampson, owner/operator Jennifer Snowdon, Billy Carter and Karen MacDonald. Missing from photo is Brandy Touesnard, who went from helpful customer to paid employee.

Consolidation may not officially be off the table

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

ANTIGONISH: After nearly a month, the Town of Antigonish has finally broken their silence on the consolidation issue.

“Out of respect for the province who made it clear, that health care was the priority in the budget in the spring sitting of the legislature, we decided not to make any comments,” Mayor Laurie Boucher said during open council at the town’s regular, monthly meeting on April 17. “As we didn’t know the status of consolidation. We requested a meeting with the minister when the house wrapped, and they just finished last Wednesday, so staff will be following up with the department to inquire about the status of consolidation.”

During the meeting, Councillor Diane Roberts questioned a media report that quoted the mayor and mentioned there were ongoing discussions between the Department of Municipal Affairs and the town and county of Antigonish.

“I just want to get that clarified, when he said town and county, I don’t know what he meant by that, it’s not for councils, because we haven’t had any discussion,” Roberts said. “Who is meeting to talk about this?”

Mayor Laurie Boucher responded to Roberts’ inquiry by advising there hasn’t been a meeting with representatives with municipal affairs.

“That quote is actually from Minister Lohr…I didn’t say that, I don’t know what he’s talking about,” Boucher said. “And the only correspondence between us has been the letter that has been sent out requesting a meeting for clarification going forward, and that’s all the discussion that has been.”

CAO Jeff Lawrence said the only direct communication with the Department of Municipal Affairs was the initial letter asking that after the closure of the spring sitting of the legislature, to set up a meeting for further clarification.

“That’s been it,” Lawrence told council. “There’s been no direct conversation, there’s been no phone calls, there’s been no emails, there’s been no anything else.”

Councillor Mary Farrell then questioned Councillor Sean Cameron where the information came from, in which he was quoted in the April 5 edition of The Reporter.

“If you read this week’s Reporter, Drake posted a (correction),” Cameron said. “As to where the information he contacted me and asked me about my input (came from).”

Farrell responded by claiming she hadn’t seen the correction.

Continued on page 9

The grassroots community group, Let Antigonish Decide, made some alterations to their signs, including this one in Heatherton, thanking the premier and local MLA on not tabling the special legislation in regards to the Antigonish consolidation.

Two-day Reconcili-ACTION celebration to honour permanent rising of

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

PORT HAWKESBURY: Earlier this month, the Town of Port Hawkesbury approved a twoday Reconcili-ACTION plan, and at the heart of this plan is the raising of the Mi’kmaq nation flag on a dedicated, newly installed fourth flagpole outside the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre.

“The significance is that once raised, it will fly permanently in Port Hawkesbury,” Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton told The Reporter “This Reconcili-ACTION plan is a testament of the thoughtful work and insight shared with the town by our partners to make this historic event truly meaningful.”

The mayor highlighted Barry Bernard and members of his Red Tribe Boxing Club in Eskasoni as well as Jeff Ward from Membertou Heritage Park have been instrumental partners in working with the town designing their plan.

“Our council is very proud to permanently raise the Mi’kmaq flag as a sign of respect for the First People of this land,” Chisholm-Beaton said. “And to celebrate this historic moment with communities in Unama’kik, Cape Breton, the Strait Region and beyond.”

The flag raising ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. on May 19, at the Civic Centre, which will be followed by a Mawio’mi Friendship Gala.

“Mawio’mi is a Mi’kmaq word that means “gathering” and true to this word’s intention, this will be an evening filled with cultural sharingof drums, music, storytelling, theatrical performances, great food, and above all, a “gathering together” in the spirit of friendship,” Chisholm-Beaton said. “Jeff Ward has been working closely with the town to help design the two-day celebration, and in assisting with the design of the Mowio’mi Friendship Gala, he will be the event’s emcee.”

What makes the gala even more impactful, the mayor said, is the fact it will raise funds to benefit two organizations that work to help vulnerable families and children: We’koqma’q Family Healing Centre and Leeside Society.

Chisholm-Beaton indicated Bernard saw the gala as an important opportunity to give back to the community.

His boxing club has been a positive space for youth of all ages, especially those most vulnerable, to build up their confidence and their spirit through sport.

“It is important to help where we can when we have people in our communities who are struggling, especially children,” Bernard said. “You never know what that support or that helping hand can do to turn someone’s life around.”

On the second day, May 20, the first-ever Mi’kmaq market will take place at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre starting at noon, fol-

lowed by an excited evening of boxing hosted by the Eskasoni Red Tribe Boxing Club.

Mi’kmaq market vendors interested in participating can contact the Town of Port Hawkesbury via Melissa Warner at mwarner@ townofph.ca.

“We are so pleased to welcome Red Tribe Boxing back again to Port Hawkesbury,” I would love to see this boxing ticket completely sold out, because that will mean the seats are filled to the brim to cheer on these amazing young athletes.”

Councillor Jason Aucoin, is not only is a huge supporter of the Red Tribe Boxing Club but also has a son who will be boxing on the May 20 card.

“It is with great pleasure and honour that we are having such a great weekend of celebrating truth and reconciliation,” Aucoin said. “It is wonderful to see everyone working together for the greater good.”

StFX student facing four counts of sexual assault, could be more victims

Continued from page 1

She explained, in recent years, much work has been done to ensure that StFX takes a survivor-centred approach when allegations of sexual violence are brought forward, highlighting work that has been led by members of the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee and resulted in the development and implementation of the university’s first standalone Sexual Violence Policy in 2016.

“StFX is deeply committed to fostering a culture on campus where attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate sexual violence are not tolerated from any member of our community. We support survivors, and we respond to disclosures and reports of sexual violence seriously and in a manner that is procedurally fair,” Yeo said. “We support public safety, awareness, and openness and recognize that everyone has a part to

play in ending sexual violence. We remain committed to ensuring StFX is a safe and healthy learning, living, and working environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.”

The RCMP investigation is ongoing and they have concerns there could be further victims.

If you are a victim, or have any information related to these incidents, please contact Antigonish County District RCMP at 902-863-6500. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

“The RCMP understands that these types of offences can have a devastating and lifelong impact on victims and can cause intense feelings of stress, shame and fear,” Marshall said. “We are here to help, and we encourage anyone affected to report the incident to police immediately.”

Jegede will appear in Antigonish Provincial Court on June 14, at 9:30 a.m.

Photo by Dake Lowthers

MLS completes demo launch pad: Company seeks support firms

by Lois Ann Dort

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Guysborough Journal

CANSO: Maritime Launch Services (MLS) has completed construction of the launch pad for a demonstration launch at the project site slated for this summer. On April 4, MLS – the proponent of Spaceport Nova Scotia, the first commercial satellite launch facility in Canada – posted a video to Twitter depicting the construction of the pad.

“We did finish this first phase of construction earlier than we anticipated, mainly due to the mild winter,” MLS Vice President, Communications and Corporate Affairs Sarah McLean told The Journal via email April 10. “We had thought

that construction would pause in January and February, but the teams were able to work through. With Nova Construction completing the access roads, and the demonstration launch pad poured by Lindsay Construction, we have completed our first phase of construction.”

In a press release issued on the same day, April 10, MLS announced it was seeking candidate firms and individuals to serve as the architectural and engineering design (A&E), owner authorized representative (OAR), and support the expansion of small class launch vehicle offerings at Spaceport Nova Scotia.

MLS President and CEO Steve Matier stated in the release, “As the significant demand for launch from Canada has increased and the payload backlog at oth-

er global sites has increased, Maritime Launch has received statements of interest from numerous launch vehicle developers. Due to this intense demand, we are currently reviewing proposals, and will down-select candidate small class launch vehicles that may be incorporated into the Spaceport Nova Scotia offerings to industry. With the first phase of construction now complete, our call for Sources Sought will ensure we select the right candidate who will work with us to select the A&E Design firm and evaluate the launch site layout and safely maximize Spaceport Nova Scotia’s offerings to our growing satellite client base.”

McLean wrote of this announcement, “The selected firm or individuals will support Maritime Launch in site config-

uration, facility requirements, launch vehicle interface requirements and operational requirements including, but not limited to, owner supplied equipment, security, maintenance, staffing levels, and operations management. The selected candidate will work in close coordination with the construction manager for Spaceport Nova Scotia, Lindsay Construction.”

Speaking to when these activities will lead to something to see in the sky, McLean wrote, “In terms of launch date, we are supporting Arbalest Rocketry and Launch Canada with a launch demonstration in early July. Following that, Maritime Launch will work towards a launch of a suborbital vehicle in late 2023, and orbital launch in early 2024.”

Health care main focus in federal budget: Kelloway

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

STRAIT AREA: The MP for Cape Breton-Canso says the federal government’s responsible fiscal plan will help build a Canada that is more secure, more sustainable, and more affordable for people from coast to coast to coast.

Speaking on the major themes of the 2023-24 federal budget, Mike Kelloway highlighted the focus is around affordability measures, health care, and the green industry.

“The word on the street, and I’ve been out and about since the budget was released has been fairly positive,” Kelloway told The Reporter. “Our health agenda, that alone could have been the budget, we’re looking at five billion extra, for Nova Scotia over the next 10 years.”

Kelloway highlighted the important investments strengthening the country’s universal public health care system, including more than $12 billion in Atlantic Canada to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high-quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve.

“In parts of rural and urban Cape Breton, we’re having a difficult time attracting and retaining doctors,” Kelloway said. “In Canso, they have a problem with attracting and retaining nurses.”

He indicated the budget also introduces the new Canadian Dental Care Plan, which will help up to nine million Canadians and ensure no Canadian has to choose between taking care of their health and paying the bills at the end of the month.

These investments build on the launch of the Canada Dental Benefit for kids last year,

which has already helped more than 250,000 kids across Canada, get the dental care they need and deserve.

“We’re looking a broadening the scope of those that can apply for dental care,” Kelloway said. “This is revolutionary for our country.”

The MP also suggested there’s a movement by some in Ottawa to look at privatizing health care.

“Let me say to your readers, I will fight like hell to ensure that doesn’t happen,” Kelloway said.

The Grocery Rebate, offers targeted inflation relief for 11 million Canadians and families who need it the most, with up to an

additional $467 for eligible couples with children, an additional $234 for single Canadians without children and an additional $225 for seniors, on average.

To build on Canada’s clean economy, he said the budget makes transformative investments to fight climate change and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers, including significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in communities, and create good-paying jobs.

“I think there are huge opportunities for our riding in Cape Breton-Canso,” Kelloway said. “We have legitimate, global companies

looking at the Strait Area in terms of green hydrogen and wind power, and there are tax credit incentives for companies that are looking to set up shop in Canada.”

As for Canada’s economic growth – it was the strongest in the G7 over the last year – and today, 830,000 more Canadians are employed than before the pandemic, including 27,200 here in Nova Scotia.

“It’s always a work in progress, but it’s a good budget in my opinion, with a fiscal framework to see modest decreases in the debt and deficit,” Kelloway said. “While at the same time investing in what people want, health care and affordability”

Council hands out $30,000 in grants to St. Mary’s groups

by Alec Bruce Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Guysborough Journal

ST. MARY’S: Five local organizations will receive grants of $2,000 apiece in the next fiscal year, according to the latest budget approved by council of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough at its annual general meeting last week.

The recipients are: Royal Canadian Legion Branch #5, Sherbrooke Opportunities Society (SHOPS), Liscomb Volunteer Fire Department, Goshen Community and Recreation Centre and St. Mary’s ATV Club.

Each of the municipality’s seven district councillors was allocated an additional $2,428.57 to disburse, at their discretion, to organizations in their constituencies. Council also awarded a $3,000 stipend to St. Mary’s Academy for scholarships to students who are residents of the municipality, graduating from Grade 12, and plan to further their post-secondary education.

The annual grants were handed out this year as requests from a variety of organizations over the past several weeks emphasized their hope to maintain or expand services despite trending inflation.

Last month, SHOPS — a volunteer organi-

zation that works to help intellectually disabled adults in the area ‘lead happy and productive lives’ — requested as much as $7,500 from council to defray the cost of its new sublimation printing operation, a for-profit enterprise it’s introducing this summer to better engage its members in the community. Meanwhile, Liscomb was one of more than 340 volunteer and First Nations fire departments, and ground search and rescue organizations that each received a $10,000 grant from the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing to offset rising operational costs.

Government grants for 2023-24 total $30,000.

Looking for an opportunity to serve your community and build your professional network?

People from diverse backgrounds and communities are needed to serve on Nova Scotia's agencies, boards, and commissions (ABCs). Participating on an ABC is an opportunity to have input on issues that matter to you and to help unite communities through public service.

Applications for the adjudicative boards are due by Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Non-adjudicative board positions are open for applications year-round.

To learn more and to apply, visit NovaScotia.ca/abc or call 1-866-206-6844 (toll free).

The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy. We welcome applications from Aboriginal people, African Nova Scotians, other racially visible people, persons with disabilities, women, and other employment equity groups. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Nicole Fawcett, The Reporter’s new owner

Us (the people) your readers; that our reading days will never end.

Change is always nice, and even nicer when it happens to a nice person like you, Nicole Fawcett, the new owner in Port Hawkesbury of The Reporter newspaper.

Keep on growing with local news, etc., as you are flipping the newspaper pages, while keeping in mind, the last page in your newspaper will never be a last,

for a last page is always followed by a new front page in the upcoming weekly newspaper’s next published issue.

Best Wishes, Nicole Fawcett, coming from Clarence and Joyce, hoping you have a successful future and hold onto a healthy, enjoyable new adventure with an added total success.

Congratulations!

Clarence & Joyce Landry

Seaview

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Budget

2023: concerns about Canada’s receding role in game-changing solutions for childre

I am writing to echo the concerns raised by many Canadians regarding the lack of new investments for programs that support children, adolescents, and women around the world in Budget 2023. The absence of such investments is a clear indication that Canada is stepping back from its global leadership role, which is simply unacceptable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the largest continued backslide in vaccinations for other infectious diseases in three decades, with 25 million children un- or under-vaccinated, 6 million more than in 2019. Moreover, this is happening against an unprecedented global hunger crisis, with up to 60 million children under five projected to be acutely malnourished by the end of 2022. In emergency contexts, children under five are the most vulnerable, with illness and death rates twenty times higher than standard level.

Therefore, it is crucial that we invest in children’s health, nutrition, education, and development, as these

OPINION

early investments accumulate throughout a child’s lifetime, benefiting their children and society as a whole. Moreover, investments in children are among the most cost-effective that governments can make, with each US$1 spent on health yielding a US$20 benefit for lower-middle-income countries.

It is especially disappointing that the Budget 2023 has no new investments in such programs, given Canada’s historic track record of leading the charge in protecting children’s rights. From the Muskoka Initiative launched in 2010 to the recent $1.2 billion pledge to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Canada has demonstrated a commitment to child survival.

By building on its historic track record, Canada can lead the way once again and achieve the central ambition of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ‘leave no one behind.’

Vanessa Liang Montreal, Que.

Doctor waitlist reaches new peak with no solutions in sight

In just 19 months since the Houston government took office, the doctor waitlist has now more than doubled to 142,242 Nova Scotians, growing by another 5,000 people in April alone.

These shocking numbers need solutions and today’s announcement by the province on a new ‘reporting dashboard’ does nothing for the 142,000 Nova Scotians looking to this government for a family doctor, Leader of the Official Opposition, Zach Churchill said.

“In addition to the skyrocketing doctor waitlist, the increasing ER wait times, patient offloading

times and no movement on the surgical backlog are adding even more stress to our healthcare system, all of which are the cascading result of more and more doctors leaving family practice under this government,” Churchill said. “There are immediate steps that can be taken today, like reinstating the successful doctor incentive program in the HRM-Central Zone, which is being hit the hardest by this doctor shortage since the Houston government cancelled the incentive.”

On the government’s push for more use of virtual care, he said that is not

the solution for the issues arising from the growing doctor shortage.

“While there is a role for virtual care in the province, it should not be the replacement for family and primary care clinics,” Churchill said. “Because there are too many medical issues that people need to be treated inperson by a doctor that cannot be conducted over a computer screen.”

This is also the third straight month the government missed their own deadline to release the latest monthly numbers on time.

Liberal Party of Nova Scotia

Eastern Zone temporary emergency department closures

EASTERN ZONE: The following emergency departments (ED) in Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone (Cape Breton Island, Antigonish and Guysborough counties) will experience temporary closures between Apr. 19-21, 2023:

Eastern Memorial Hospital (Canso)

Closed until Monday, Apr. 24 at 12 p.m.

Strait Richmond Hospital (Evanston)

Closed: Wednesday, Apr. 19 at 7 a.m.; Reopens: Thursday, Apr. 20 at 8 a.m.

Closed: Friday, Apr. 21 at 7 a.m.; Reopens: Monday, Apr. 24 at 8 a.m.

The emergency department at Glace Bay Hospital is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with

registration closing at 6 p.m.

Urgent treatment centres in North Sydney and Baddeck are open, by appointment only, for patients with unexpected but non-life-threatening health concerns.

Anyone with urgent medical needs should call 911.

For non-urgent care, please call your family doctor/primary care provider.

For general health advice and information call 811, which is a service offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by experienced registered nurses.

The provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line can also be reached 24/7 by calling 1-888-429-8167.

All temporary closures can be found online at www. nshealth.ca/temporaryclosures

Does Nova Scotia prefer intra-provincial regional inclusivity, or neo-colonialism?

Kings North MLA John Lohr, the Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs justifies provincial municipal fiscal assistance based on proximity to HRM and calls Cape Breton Regional Municipality an ‘outlier’. Does John Lohr, his constituents and Nova Scotia believe in ‘inclusivity’ for all its regions and people? Well,

it’s Easter Monday and it seems the government of Nova Scotia has been busy crucifying CBRM! Given Lohr’s biased logic and misfeasance, further argument can be made for Cape Breton Island to partition from Nova Scotia, because Halifax and the rest of mainland Nova Scotia are economic and political “outliers”

from Cape Breton Island. Let’s end the neo-colonial governance of Cape Breton Island.

Local healthcare professionals are acknowledged in second annual award ceremony

“We really feel this type of event gives people that don’t ordinarily get acknowledgement get acknowledgement.”Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health Program Director, Gina MacDonald

by Adam McNamara

PORT HAWKESBURY: The recipients of the annual Community Care awards were recognized at a ceremony held by Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health at the Civic Centre on Thursday, April 13.

Focusing on healthcare workers throughout Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury, the awards are given to recipients who provide exceptional care to patients and support to coworkers and other employees, while demonstrating outstanding commitment to their field.

The recipients of this year’s awards were: Dr. James Collins for the Healthy Communities’ Leader award; Carson Samson and the Richmond Villa staff for the Dedicated Mental Health Long Term and Continuing Care Professional award; Tara MacDonald for the Mentor Champion award; Carlee Mombourquette for the Dedicated Radiology Pharmacy or Allied Health Professional award; Charmaine Boudreau for the Life-Long Learner award; Isle Madame Dental for the Making Health Your Business award and Debbie Samson for the Making a Daily Difference Volunteer award.

Also awarded were three recipients of the Healthcare Champion award; Annette Fougere, Rosanna Boudreau and Dr. Rajvinder Hanspel.

The recipient of the Healthy Communities’ Leader award, Dr. Collins, has practiced medicine in the province for the last 47 years. He said although it was a pleasure to be recognized, it was also nice to be present while other healthcare professionals were acknowledged as well.

“The award was good and interesting, but there’s a whole group of people who the system relies on and I’m just another cog in the wheel,” said Dr. Collins.

He said the event showcased how respectful and friendly this region is to work in, while also being a great place to grow a career in medicine.

“That was really the experience I had working in our hospital and working in our offices,” said Dr. Collins. “A lot of what I learned was from the patients and the people I served, the information they imparted to me was teaching me about things as I went.”

Nominations for the awards are put forward from the community and then are voted on by a panel of judges. This is the second year for the Community Care awards and Program Director, Gina MacDonald who organized the event for Cape Breton South Recruiting, said the awards started as a pilot program for recognition in Cape Breton South and it’s now catching on in other regions.

“Because it was such a success last year and this year, it is something that is now being adopted by other regions around the

province,” she said. “They really thought it was such a great idea they worked it into their budgets for 2024.”

MacDonald said these events are a way to show the healthcare professionals in the region they’re valued. And with about 50 nominations this year, she said there’s no shortage of success stories in the region.

“We really feel this type of event gives people that don’t ordinarily get acknowledgement, get that acknowledgement,” said MacDonald. “It’s so difficult to find ways to recognize the healthcare community. And this is the perfect way to be able to recognize them and give them a chance to be acknowledged in front of their peers, their colleagues and their family.”

Every week community newspapers shine an unfiltered light on their community and reflect the community back to residents, warts and all. This means attending meetings, often being the only reporter in the room, and prodding public officials with difficult questions. It means celebrating achievements and sharing sorrow. It means being there and being relevant.

Nine in ten (92%) printed community newspaper readers cite local information as their main reason for reading. In many cases local coverage cannot be found anywhere else.

Photo by Adam McNamara Dr. James Collins thanks attendees for their applause, before treating them to a speech about the benefits of a collaborative health structure and learning from colleagues.

Mark Macneill Cape Breton Island Autonomy Group Mabou, NS

St. Mary’s taxes up slightly amid rising costs

by Alec Bruce Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Guysborough Journal

ST. MARY’S: The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s delivered a balanced budget of $3,866,344 for 2023/24 at its annual general meeting last week (April 4), representing an 11.6 per cent increase in both spending and revenue over the previous year’s $3,462,824.

Residential and resource property tax rates were up slightly to 97 cents per $100 of assessment, compared with 95 cents last year, as were commercial rates ($2.28 per $100, compared with $2.26). Together, these measures were expected to generate $2,469,333.

On top of this, higher area rates were expected to generate $543,646, up from $508,194 last year. These included increases in solid waste (from $99.82 to $110.82), streetlights (from $71.85 per account to

$81.70) and Sherbrooke sewer ($215 per unit to $220).

Other revenue sources included: $186,819 in federal and provincial grants in lieu of taxes; $120,000 in deed transfer taxes; $52,862 in acreage revenue; $175,432 in provincial capacity grants; $10,500 in HST offset grants; and $307,751 from “own sources” (Recplex revenue, interest on taxes and investments, permits, fines and tipping fees).

On the spending side of ledger, protective services of $927,096 included: grants to fire departments; EMO, corrections and RCMP-mandated funding; and building inspection and animal control services.

Environmental health of $802,525 included: Sherbrooke Sewer Utility expenses (chemicals, power, maintenance); Municipal Transfer Station expenses (garbage/ recyclable contract, tipping fees, waste disposal, and general maintenance); public works staffing; and snow clearing for

municipal properties and sidewalks. General government services of $783,397 included: warden and councillor honorariums and expenses; administration staff salaries and expenses; office supplies and computer expenses; municipal solicitor and audit fees; administrative office expenses; janitorial; phone and power; photocopier and postage; maintenance; municipal insurance; low-income tax exemptions; allowance for uncollectable taxes; and payments to Property Valuation Services Corporation.

Recreation and cultural services of $457,188 included: St. Mary’s Recplex salaries, power, insurance and general maintenance; recreation and community development programming and salaries; monthly municipal newsletter; Sherbrooke Library expenses; General Government Grants; and community hall tax exemptions.

Environmental development services

of $124,672 included: planning, land use and subdivision services; economic development officer salary; economic development projects; tourism initiatives; and small business supports.

Transportation services of $104,500 included: provincial and Nova Scotia Power maintenance expenses on J-class roads and street lighting, respectively.

Finally, the mandated education expense payable to the Strait Regional Centre for Education was estimated at $637,966.

Council also approved motions to dissolve several of its committees, which had served out their mandates: Active Transportation, Land Development, Assessment Management, and Heritage Advisory.

The St. Mary’s budget open house will occur at the municipal building in Sherbrooke on Wednesday, April 29, from 6-7 p.m.

St Mary’s council, staff pay raises capped at below cost of living increase

by Alec Bruce Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Guysborough Journal

ST. MARY’S: Expecting the price of local government to rise in St. Mary’s, council has capped salary and honorarium increases to less than half the cost of living increase, according to the municipality’s most recent budget documents.

The Journal’s analysis shows that in a $3.87 million operating budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year, expenditures on “legislative services” – the remunerations

of and expenses for the warden and six other councillors – is forecasted to be $137,354, less than 10 per cent higher than the actual costs for the same services the year before ($126,341).

But, of this, the total remuneration for councillors – including the amounts for warden and deputy warden – is budgeted at $111,414, only three per cent higher than last year’s expenditure of $108,169, and well below Statistics Canada’s cost of living increase calculation of 7.7 per cent for Nova Scotia this year.

Most of the increase applies to “council

expense” and “other council expense” line items, budgeted to be $25,940, compared with last year’s expenditure of $18,172. The year-over-year 40 per cent increase reflects a return to normal spending levels (conferences, meetings, etc.) following two years of Covid-induced inactivity.

Council approved the following remunerations for this fiscal year: $13,770 (compared with $13,369 last year) for each councillor, plus $8,763 (up from $8,503) and $6,265 (up from $6,076) for the warden and deputy warden, respectively. Additionally, councillors will be paid a per diem of $70

(up from $55) for meals to and from meetings, conferences and workshops.

There’s also very little change in projected staff salaries, which were capped at three per cent. “General administrative” services (which includes salaries, benefits, and non-staff financial management) were budgeted at $333,982, compared with expenditures of $306,465 last year.

The cost of “general government services” — roughly 20 per cent of total expenditures — is expected to rise this year to $783,397, compared with $733,530 last year.

MODG awards sidewalk tender, holds special meeting to approve increased cost

Continued from page 3

“We didn’t spend that money; we carried it over, so they’ve been re-budgeted. So, a lot of what you saw last year, you’re seeing again,” Imlay said.

Deputy CAO Shawn Andrews explained this appearance of a significant increase in capital spending year over year was due to a change in budgeting procedure, where projects are now re-budgeted for each fiscal year, which includes money that was budgeted but not spent in the previous year.

“I know it is a lot of extra money but I think, overall, down the road, its big benefit and I’d hate to see us send back $2.377 million to the federal government,” commented councillor Neil DeCoff as discussion continued on the heavier bill the municipality would have to pay in order to bring the sidewalk project forward.

Councillor Mary Desmond questioned the price we put on lives, when it comes to paying for sidewalks. The proposed sidewalk extension covers key areas in the community such as the school, hospital and shopping centre, “and it’s all around

an area where there’s high traffic…to me I think it’s well worth it.”

In the special council meeting held after the committee of the whole, council voted in favour of placing an additional amount of up to $485,000 from the capital reserve into funding the sidewalk project.

One of the last items on the meeting agenda was a note that the province had approved a one-time grant through the Sustainable Services Growth Fund from the Department of Municipal Affairs for the municipality to the tune of $471,837. The municipality has two projects that qualify for the funding: Cutler’s Brook Subdivision and the sidewalk project. Council can determine, at a later date, which project the money should go towards.

In other business, Deputy CAO Shawn Andrews noted a March 16 announcement by the Department of Municipal Affairs that all volunteer fire departments would receive $10,000 from the province.

Director of Finance Danita Imlay told council in her monthly report that the tax collection rate in the municipality was a commendable 96 per cent.

“These numbers are on par to what they have always been, in terms of having an outstanding collection rate. They’re really good,” said Imlay.

This year’s municipal tax bills should be in the mail starting this week.

Debbie Torrey, MODG’s development officer, told council the first of the building permits for the new apartment complex on the corner of Church and Queen streets should be issued this week.

MODG Warden Vernon Pitts said he had been invited to a meeting with representatives of the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) regarding the opening of a French language school in Larry’s River. He told council that the fire department in Larry’s River had agreed to let the CSAP use their sewer system and water for portable classrooms, which will be located behind the Communities Along the Bay Multi-use Facility [in which the fire hall is located] in the coming year.

Director of Recreation Angie Tavares spoke on a safety inspection of the playground in Little Dover and improvements that will be coming forward.

“Although we determined that the equipment is safe, we also determined that the structure could use an upgrade. We’ll do a pressure washing of the equipment and wire brushing the surface rust, some prime paint to those areas and paint the exposed wood with a recommend stain,” said Tavares. One piece of additional equipment may also be added.

Ashley Cunningham Avery, executive director of the Guysborough District Business Partnership, told council about the Mashup Lab program that facilitates the growth of new businesses, and the potential for career, volunteer and newcomer fairs.

Councillor MacLeod brought up the issue of the medical centre in Isaacs’s Harbour, which is facing the burden of rising operational costs. The lease on the building, owned by the MODG, expires at the end of April. MacLeod asked that the lease be extended to June, so the community can explore possible options. If no options can be found by that time, the building will be returned to the municipality, which will then decide what should be done with it.

What people with disabilities have to say about inclusive communities: StFX student presents research in Washington.

ANTIGONISH: Researching what people with disabilities have to say about inclusive communities was a big part of Callie Scott’s final year at StFX.

And it was particularly impactful when Scott, who was supervised by StFX human kinetics professor Amanda Casey, recently presented her honours undergraduate research at the Active Living Conference at the National Institute of Health in Washington D.C., the only participant presenting undergraduate research.

Scott, who is currently starting the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Bond University on the Gold Coast in Australia as she works to become a registered physiotherapist with hopes to specialize in sports physiotherapy and dance rehab, said she felt honoured to be presenting.

“I learned so much from the workshops and presentations. It was an honour to meet and listen to the other presenters and researchers. I got to meet and talk to Dr. James Sallis, whose research I read throughout my undergrad and cited many times, which was an honour and really cool,” she said. “What I specifically liked about this conference was that it was interdisciplinary, lots of practitioners and those directly involved in community initiatives were there.”

As one of the youngest participants, she says she was nervous, but everyone was welcoming.

“I was so happy the presentation got great reviews,” Scott said. “Especially for our knowledge translation piece and how we were implementing the research into the community by reaching out to stakeholders in the community.”

Her undergraduate research project used photovoice to capture photos and comments from the lived experiences of experts with disabilities and their perceived barriers and facilitators to accessibility in the Town of Antigonish, and through data collection and analysis five main themes of inclusive communities were found: active mobility, feelings of safety, sense of place, wayfinding and beautification.

“Our biggest goal of this research was for the insights

and suggestions of the experts with disabilities to be heard, listened to, and implemented into the community. We are happy to share that some of the photos and comments were incorporated in the Draft Accessibility Plan for Antigonish,” Scott said. “I would like to thank everyone at CACL, PEACH Research Unit at Dalhousie, Dr. Mikiko Terashima at the Dalhousie School of Planning, reachAbility Association in Halifax, Juniper Littlefield from Upland Planning + Design Studio, the Antigonish accessibility committee and Antigonish Mayor Laurie Boucher for making this research possible.”

StFX HELPED HER GROW

StFX, she indicated, has allowed her to explore many different fields of study, work in the wonderful community and learn practical skills.

“I think the people and community is what will leave the greatest impact on me. I met some amazing people at X that helped me grow, especially Dr. Amanda Casey who was such an amazing mentor and supervisor,” Scott said. “She really took me under her wing as she taught me so much and gave me confidence in my academic abilities.”

She graduated with a BSc in Human Kinetics in 2021 and returned to StFX the following year to complete an honours BA in Human Kinetics.

Scott suggests Dr. Casey introduced her to the project as she knew she was interested in this field of research and that she wanted to come back to StFX for a second degree to gain more research experience.

She was drawn to this field particularly active transport, universal design and accessibility in Dr. Casey’s class, HKIN 457: Designing Interventions.

“I’ve had a passion for promoting physical activity, and through this class we discussed that although active transport and physical activity are not only vital for individual health but for population health, unfortunately not everyone has equal opportunity to participate in them,” Scott said. “We discussed how to design interventions to promote physical activity for people

Consolidation may not officially be off the table

Continued from page 4

While a discussion then circled around the idea that a community centre would be a reason to consolidate, Boucher indicated she was providing an example of a project that is more difficult as two different municipalities and not that it was something that going to happen.

Council then spoke on a Communications to Media policy, which was adopted in 2005 and updated in 2020, noting incorrect information was featured in an article that Cameron was quoted in.

“It’s really not to allow councillors to talk, it’s to ensure

that the information going out is accurate and correct to the best of our ability,” Boucher said. “It’s to ensure we have clear, transparent and timely communication, as its intent is to ensure we have the most knowledgeable person, who represents the highest level of responsibility of the subject in question is designated to speak on the subject.”

While the policy update was added to the agenda late, discussions will occur during next month’s council meeting.

Following the meeting, Boucher told reporters there is no update, as they still have yet to hear back from the De-

partment of Municipal Affairs.

“Nothing that I didn’t say around the table tonight,” Boucher said. “We had a meeting with Minister Lohr on (March 24) and we sent an email around to council very, very shortly after to let everyone know, just so they didn’t get it from a second source.”

The plan going forward, the mayor said, is to meet with the province to determine the official status of consolidation as the minister instructed the town and county, it wouldn’t be put on the spring agenda.

“We’ll continue on,” Boucher said. “As stated in the meeting tonight, there is no further update.”

StFX student earns $45,000 Frank H Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies

ANTIGONISH: Hunter Park has received a prestigious award recognizing him as an emerging business leader.

The third year StFX Gerald Schwartz School of Business student from Grand Manan, N.B., was selected as one of eight students from Atlantic Canada business schools to receive a $45,000 Frank H Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies.

The eight winners are selected by the Frank H Sobey Awards Board of Trustees based on their entrepreneurship, supporting the communities in which they live and work, and their employment experience.

All full-time business students attending Atlantic universities are eligible for consideration.

“We continue to be inspired by the talent, leadership and entrepreneurialism shining through students at Atlantic Canadian business schools.” said Paul D. Sobey, Chair of the Board of Trustees, which is comprised of Atlantic Canadian business and academic leaders.

Established in 1989, the Frank H Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies have awarded more than $3 million to business students in the four Atlantic Provinces.

EXCELLENT STUDENT

Gerald Schwartz School Dean of Business Tim Hynes indicated Park fits the profile of a Frank H Sobey Award winner.

“He is a community-minded leader with an entrepreneurial focus. He is academically focused and socially en-

gaged, proactively contributing to environmental and community enhancement,” Hynes said. “We are fortunate to have students such as Hunter at the Schwartz School of Business.”

Park, who is already a business owner, running a geodesic dome rental business in his home community, suggested for as long as he can remember, he has had a passion for entrepreneurship.

“In elementary school, my classmates would head to summer sports camps,” he said. “I, however, asked to go to an entrepreneurship camp.”

At age 10, he started his first business, Hunter Park Mowing, where he saved enough money to buy a DSLR camera and start his second business, Hunter Park Photography, and at age 12, he was running both businesses simultaneously.

He earned a carpentry certificate at New Brunswick Community College, worked for a year, then returned to school to pursue business studies at StFX.

During his first year at university, he worked on a business plan for the luxury geodesic dome rental business he dreamt of starting on Grand Manan Island. He successfully applied for and received loan funding to start the business from The Canadian Business Development Corporation – Charlotte County. He incorporated Park Place Retreats in 2021, at the end of his first year at StFX.

That year, he also received The New Generations Award from Grand Manan

Island Rotary Club.

According to a release, Park explains a big part of his motivation for starting the business includes supporting causes he is passionate about. Every stay at Park Place Retreats plants a tree through their partner, Tree Canada. The company is also a member of one percent for the planet, although he says more than one per cent of revenue is put towards environmental charities. Also, as a member of the gay community, he says the company donates to LGBTQ+ charities as well.

At StFX, Park is actively engaged in the campus community.

This year, he is co-captain of JDCC Schwartz, a group that attends the largest undergraduate business competition in central Canada, organized by the Canadian Association of Business Schools. He co-led a team of 45 students to the national competition in Ottawa.

He was a co-house president at MacIsaac Hall, which won the StFX House of the Year award. He also acted as a mentor for MacIsaac Hall students struggling with the transition to university.

In his second year, he was elected to the position of business representative on the Students’ Union, was a member of the student orientation group, O-Crew, and participated in the Xaverian Leaders program.

winners of

prestigious award that was selected based on his entrepreneurship, his support to the community in which he lives and work, and his employment experience.

Park also supports Movember, has volunteered at COVID-19 clinics, participated in Relay for Life, which raises money for cancer research, and has volunteered in numerous ways in his hometown, including co-founding Grand Manan Island Tourism.

He suggested his degree at StFX allows him to be enrolled in New Venture Development, and he has been developing another business idea in this class, to provide a healthy alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks.

Photo contributed Callie Scott recently presented her honours undergraduate research at the Active Living Conference at the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C.

Photo contributed Hunter Park was one of eight

a

3 tips for making the most of your first volunteer experience

National Volunteer Week happens each year in Canada at this time. It celebrates the importance of giving back and encourages active volunteerism in generations to come. If you’ve never volunteered, here are a few tips to ensure your first experience is as enjoyable as possible.

1. Identify your goals and skills. Ask yourself why you want to volunteer and what skills you bring to the table. Then, choose a volunteer program that matches your values and interests. This will ensure you have an impactful and meaningful experience.

2. Set realistic expectations. Find out what the volunteer organization expects of you, especially regarding time. This will prevent you from overcommitting and having a poor experience. You don’t want your volunteering experience to dominate your already busy schedule. Start small; you can al ways increase your commitment as your confidence and abilities grow.

3. Keep an open mind. You’ll likely work with people from all walks of life when volunteering. Therefore, it’s essential to approach the experience from a place of exchange and learning. Most importantly, have fun and be receptive to forging new friendships. Volunteering has several benefits, including gaining real-world experience, developing new skills, expanding your professional network and exploring new occupations. To celebrate National Volunteer Month, find a cause important to you and start giving back today.

The Municipality of the County of Richmond would like to thank all the volunteers that reside in Richmond County for their contributions to their communities. Our volunteers truly showcase the pride they have in investing in our county.

They are a big part of what makes Richmond County such a great place to live!

Strait Regional Centre for Education Celebrates

National Volunteer Week: April 16 to 22, 2023

Volunteering Weaves Us Together

National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and cel ebrate the incredible efforts and generosity of our volunteers. The Strait Regional Centre for Education thanks the many volunteers who assist in our school communities. You make our schools better places for our children and youth to learn, play, achieve and succeed.

Thank you to each and every one of you who give freely of your time and talents to serve on committees, help with extra-curricular activities and support student well-being, learning and success Your dedication is sincerely appreciated.

How volunteering can benefit your career

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an annual celebration highlighting the invaluable contributions of the over 12 million volunteers in Canada. In 2023, NVW takes place from April 16 to 22. On top of the social benefits of volunteering, here are three ways that giving back to your community can boost career prospects.

1. Develop your skills. Volunteering for a cause related to your current or future career can help you expand your existing skillset and gain valuable real-world experience. After all, you’re still working, but instead of getting paid, you’re donating your time to your community.

2. Expand your network. Meeting new people through volunteering opens new doors to future paid opportunities. A strong network is essential to advancing your career. Never miss a chance to make yours bigger!

3. Build references. Professional references can be hard to come by, especially if you haven’t worked several jobs. However, they’re crucial for scoring a well-paying gig. Fortunately, you can ask the people you volunteer with, especially supervisors, to vouch for your employability and work ethic.

Finally, volunteering shows potential employers that you’re a well-rounded person who cares about your community. If you’re ready to become part of Canada’s extensive volunteer community, inquire about exciting opportunities in your area.

Education Week April 16–22, 2023

Semaine de l’éducation 16–22 avril, 2023

Active Learning = Engagement Apprentissage actif = motivation

Dan Arpin Teacher

St. Mary’s Education Centre/Academy

Lynn Casey Principal Fanning Education Centre/ Canso Academy

Stacey Desmond African Nova Scotian Student Support Worker

Antigonish Education Centre

Kathy Gosbee Teacher Assistant Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy

Renée Martell Teacher East Richmond Education Centre

Ashley Pelley Lead Early Childhood Educator

Antigonish Education Centre

Starlene Pictou Mi’kmaq Language Teacher East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy

Jim Ralph Teacher

Strait Area Education Recreation Centre (SAERC)

Mike Stewart Teacher

Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School

Education Week April 16–22, 2023 Semaine de l’éducation 16–22 avril, 2023

Education Week is a special opportunity to recognize educators, school support staff and education partners for their outstanding work relative to the Education Week theme. School communities promote active learning in many ways, from outdoor and land-based learning to experiential/hands-on classroom opportunities. They find ways to address the needs of learners they support which results in authentic learning, movement, and improved well-being outcomes.

Active Learning = Engagement Apprentissage actif = motivation

Dalbrae Academy

The

Antigonish Education Centre

and

Students at Antigonish Education Centre are regularly engaged in thoughtful, cooperative problem-solving activities with Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics. This research-based strategy has students on their feet with peers, working at whiteboards to solve deep, open-ended problems. This active learning approach engages students in their learning and encourages critical thinking and cooperative problem solving.

Whycocomagh Education Centre

On January 4, 2023, Canada celebrated National Ribbon Skirt Day. Whycocomagh Education Centre promoted the importance of Ribbon Skirt Day by giving students and staff the opportunity to wear Ribbon Skirts made by women in the local community of We’koqma’q. The school celebration also included inviting local women to speak with students about the importance of Indigenous traditions and cultures and how the Ribbon Skirt is a symbol of resilience, survival and identity.

As part of their Outdoor Education class, Grade 7 students at St. Andrew Junior School participate in a snowshoeing activity that takes them through the trails around the school. Every cycle, Grade 7 and 8 classes enjoy the many benefits of this physical activity while outdoors in our beautiful natural surroundings.

St. Andrews Consolidated School

As part of a Building Thinking Classrooms activity, students solve problems in small groups standing at whiteboards.

In this photo, Grade 6 students are using their factoring skills to learn about the tax collection process.

Tamarac Education Centre Grade 8 students from Tamarac Education Centre participated in the Skilled Futures in Oceans event at the Nova Scotia Community College (Strait Area Campus) where they had the opportunity to explore career opportunities in marine trades and technologies.

The English 12 class at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School was honoured to have well-known Author and Playwright Sheldon Currie visit during SRCE

The class read Currie’s play, Lauchie, Liza and Rory, and enjoyed a conversation with him about the writing process and the play.

East Richmond Education Centre At East Richmond Education Centre, active learning can take place indoors or outdoors and in any subject. Staff strive to involve students in rich opportunities to actively engage them in their learning to stimulate their mind and body.

Inverness Education Centre/Academy Citizenship 9 students at Inverness Education Centre/Academy are active participants in the school breakfast and snack program. In addition to teaching students the importance of being active and engaged citizens, volunteers of the breakfast program also learn valuable life skills such as planning, budgeting and cooking.

The Grade 1/2 class at H.M. MacDonald Elementary School have a team challenge to build the highest tower out of snow and items from nature. Students are further developing their cooperation, speaking and listening skills, while learning about building structures.

Bayview Education Centre

The Grade P/1 class at Bayview Education Centre explore the sugar content in different drinks that students have brought to school. Students were learning about quantity, more or less, and healthy options and then teaching their classmates about what they discovered. Discovery and inquiry-based learning provides opportunities for students to explore concepts that are important to them, and to help enrich students understanding of new ideas.

their self-confidence and imagination.

The Grade Primary class at St. Mary’s Education Centre/ Academy take part in a Spring art activity. Art education provides important opportunities for students to express themselves, develop their creativity and learn about themselves by exploring the world around them.

Chedabucto Education Centre/ Guysborough Academy As part of the literacy initiatives at Chedabucto Education Centre/ Guysborough Academy, guests from the school community are invited to take part in read-alouds with elementary students. In this photo, Cst. Nathan Sparks from the Guysborough Detachment of the RCMP reads with Grade Primary students.

SAERC SAERC’s Grade 9 students are engaged in a hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activity in their Exploring Technology class. Students assembled each device and then coded them to either perform a task or navigate through various challenges.

Richmond Education Centre/Academy

The Richmond Education Centre/Academy Leadership Committee is a group of students who work for the betterment of the student body. In previous years, students would compete for leadership positions on a student council. A few years back, the transition to a Leadership Committee was made. Students who are interested, come together as volunteers, who in turn harness the strengths of each member. They plan events, fundraisers and socials throughout the year. The goal of the Committee is to create leaders within the school community who will become active members of their own community.

Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre/ Academy

A thinking student is an engaged student. As part of a Building Thinking Classrooms activity, students at Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre/Academy take part in various activities in which they enthusiastically problem solve together.

Students at Pleasant Bay School explore sound by taking part in a think, pair and share activity. They learned about vibration, how sound can move in waves and how sound can travel.

Fanning Education Centre/Canso Academy

Education Centre/Canso Academy regularly creates and

Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School

Literacy Month.

H.M. MacDonald Elementary School

Felix Marchand Education Centre

Students at Felix Marchand Education Centre enjoy the many benefits of mixing music with physical activity. Activities like this help students express their feelings and emotions, learn to work in groups and develop

St. Mary’s Education Centre/Academy

St. Andrew Junior School

East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy

Grade 7 students at East Antigonish Education Centre/ Academy are taking part in an Outdoor Education class. Students are learning to cook outdoors and new life skills while having lots of fun.

Pleasant Bay School

SACCC final week for the season

Kyle Cyr waits for skip Gary Wagner to release his rock during the final game of the season for the Monday night league. Team Wagner were the winners of the Monday playoffs at the Strait Area Community Curling Club.

David Muenkat was recently named StFX Male Athlete of the Year, and became the first basketball player to win the honour since 2010. In 20 games played this season, he averaged a 49.1 field goal percentage, scored 304 points, recorded 28 steals and lead the conference in rebounding. He was a member of the AUS Champion and U SPORTS silver medalist X-Men, while also being awarded the 2023 U SPORTS and AUS Defensive Player of the Year. 209487

After releasing his rock, Hugh Ross from Team Cluett keeps a close eye on the line as it goes down the ice. The team were the winners of the Tuesday night SACCC league playoffs against Team MacCuspic.

SRMHA winds down season on ice

The 2022-23 hockey season has ended, and what a great year it has been. Thank you to the coaches, sponsors, parents, and especially the players for a great season! There was a lot of action this year with many successes, but most importantly, a lot of fun.

This year, instead of having the tournament over March Break, for several reasons we opted to have our tournaments throughout the year. Our first tournament was held over Christmas on December 29-30 by our U13A division. They hosted a four-team tournament with teams attending from Glace Bay, Antigonish, and Pictou County. Glace Bay took home the Gold, Strait Richmond Silver, and Pictou County Bronze.

Our next Jamboree was held over the family weekend in February by our U9 Intermediate Division. They hosted a six-team jamboree with teams attending from Cape Breton West, Antigonish, New Waterford, Pictou County, and East Hants. A fun day was had by all.

Our next set of tournaments took place in March starting with U15A on March 11-12, 2023. They hosted a seven-team tournament with teams attending from Cape Breton County, Pictou County, Truro, West Hants, Sackville, and Bedford. The two-day tournament was held at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, with the Bedford Blues taking home gold in a thrilling shootout Championship Game against the Sackville Flyers. The Truro Bearcats took home bronze.

On March 13, 2023, the Richmond U7 division hosted their Jamboree. Seven teams with over 135 players attended from Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury, and Northside (North Sydney). The jamboree took place at the Richmond Arena in Louisdale. Followed up with our U11A & U11C tournaments the weekend of March 1819

U11A hosted a six-team tournament at the Richmond Arena in Louisdale with teams at-

tending from Glace Bay, Cape Breton West, Antigonish, Pictou County, and Acadia. Acadia Axemen took home gold in an overtime win against the Antigonish Bulldogs, and Strait Richmond took home bronze. U11C hosted a five-team tournament at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre with teams attending from Antigonish, New Waterford, and Chebucto. Antigonish (White) took home gold, Antigonish (Black) silver, and Chebucto Storm bronze. Again, we would like to thank everyone involved, especially the local industry and small businesses that really stepped up this year to support our young players, enabling the planning committee to offer these incredible tournaments. We are extremely grateful for this level of community investment from our partners:

ipality of the County of Richmond.

Port Hawkesbury Paper, Everwind Fuels, Town of Port Hawkesbury, Maple Signs and Engraving, Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, & Munic-

Photos by Mary Hankey

Team MacCuspic were the runners-up of the Tuesday night league playoffs at the Strait Area Community Curling Club. Team members were Donald MacCuspic, Bill Butts, Jeff Woolsey, and Meaghan Woolsey.

The winners of the Wednesday night league playoffs at the Strait Area Community Curling Club were Team McNamara. Team members were Mike Mike McNamara, Mike Kelly, Adam King, and Neil MacNeil.

Team Kennedy were the runners-sup of the Wednesday night league playoffs at the Strait Area Community Club. Teams members were Shaun Kennedy, Karen Wagar, Monica McCarthy, and Kathleen MacMaster.

Donald MacCuspic calls the line on his team’s rock while the opposing skip Gary Wagner watches. Team Wagner were the winners of the Tuesday night league playoffs during the final week of play for the season at the Strait Area Community Curling Club.

Mike McNamara skipped his team to victory in a close game against Team Kennedy for the Wednesday night league championship. The curling season came to an end for the season at the Strait Area Community Curling Club.

The daytime curlers were the last ones on the ice for the season at the Strait Area Community Curling Club in Port Hawkesbury.

Carol Brophy keeps an eye on the line of the rock coming down the ice during the during the final game of the season for the Monday night league. Carol was a member Team Wagner who won the playoffs in their game against Team McNamara.

Monica McCarthy and Kathleen were ready to sweep skip Shaun Kennedy’s rock in their game against Team McNamara. In the final game of the playoffs for the Wednesday night league, Team Kennedy were the runners-up.

Astua’sij ‘Where Paths Meet’ on display at J. Franklin Wright

Do you have an event or announcement Don’t forget to tell The Reporter!

Local Events, Happenings and Non Profits can advertise their events at no charge in the Community Calendar. Send us the event, date, time, and place, to: stephaniecomeau@porthakesburyreporter.com or call 902-625-3300

SEND US YOUR PICTURES

Share your events and announcements with us. Submit your photos to us (and a brief explanation) from an event, breaking news story, or local scenery from our community. For more information or to send in: nicolefawcett@porthawkesburyreporter.com

Marissa Prosper’s beading process began during her second year of law school to help manage her stress. Her practice incorporates natural and contemporary materials into her work as a way to honour the past and modernize traditional teachings.

Samples of Tracy Marshall’s beadwork is on display as part of the Astua’sij ‘Where Paths Meet’ exhibit, currently on show until May 20th at the J. Franklin Wright Gallery. Beading provides Tracy with the ability to think through her thoughts and find clarity.

Joef Bernard is one of four artists whose work is on display at the Astua’sij ‘Where Paths Meet’ exhibit at the Civic Centre in Port Hawkesbury. The natural materials used in Joef’s practice are harvested or sourced ethically.

Artist Laylia Bennett started beading in 2018 and has been operating as a small beadwork business since 2021 and hopes to grow it into a sustainable career. The Astua’sij ‘Where Paths Meet’ exhibit is currently on display at the J. Franklin Wright Gallery in Port Hawkesbury.

Photos by Mary Hankey

The bowl and sticks made from sugar maple burl, and fashioned for the game Waltes, was made by Mi’kmaw artist Joef Bernard. His art practice stems from his connection to the land and his desire to share L’nu traditions.

2023 Strait Regional Science Fair Award Winners

Grade 3 Bronze Medal

Slime Activators: Are They All the Same?

Antigonish Education Centre

Annie MacInnis & Taylor MacPherson

Grade 3 Silver Medal

Music and Plants

Antigonish Education Centre Xavier Austen

Grade 3 Gold Medal

It’s a Sticky Situation: Which Glue is Strongest?

Antigonish Education Centre

Ezra MacLennan

Grade 4 Bronze Medal

Does Smell Affect Taste?

Antigonish Education Centre Riel Fanjoy dit Beaulieu

Grade 4 Silver Medal

The Oxidizing Power of Lemon

Antigonish Education Centre

Aden Fabijancic & Nye MacInnis

Grade 4 Silver Medal

Grassable

Antigonish Education Centre

Kenlea Kyte & Maria MacDonald

Grade 4 Gold Medal

How Does Grooming a Horse Affect Their Heart Rate?

Antigonish Education Centre

Charlotte Lajeunesse

Grade 5 Silver Medal

What Makes the Best Fruit Battery?

St. Andrews Consolidated School

Kaelyn Tapley

Grade 5 Gold Medal

Les Bactéries Vs. Les Désinfectants

East Richmond Education Centre

Brielle MacCuspic

Grade 6 Bronze Medal

L’électricité et la Météo

East Richmond Education Centre

Amelia Touesnard & Addyson MacPhail

Grade 6 Bronze Medal

How Much Drag?

Bayview Education Centre

Malcolm MacInnis & Luke Poirier

Grade 6 Bronze Medal

Est-ce que ton Crème Glacé est Vrais?

St. Andrew Junior School

Ashton Statchook

Grade 6 Silver Medal

What UV is What You Get: Are Natural Sunscreens Effective?

St. Andrews Consolidated School

Harrison Corkum

Grade 6 Gold Medal

Do Vitamins Help Plants Grow?

St. Andrew Junior School

Irelyn MacLennan

Grade 6 Gold Medal

Can Garlic Juice Kill Bacteria Better Than Soap and Sanitizer?

St. Andrew Junior School

Saanvi Vishwakarma

Best Visual Display Grade 3/4

Grassable

Antigonish Education Centre

Kenlea Kyte & Maria MacDonald

Best Visual Display Grade 5/6

What Makes the Best Fruit Batttery?

St. Andrews Consolidated School

Kaelyn Tapley

Communication Award Grade 3/4

Which Design Goes the Furthest?

Antigonish Education Centre

Neil MacDonald

Communication Award Grade 5/6

Can Garlic Juice Kill Bacteria Better Than Soap and Sanitizer?

St. Andrew Junior School

Saanvi Vishwakarma

“For the Love of Science” Award

An Eggciting Toothpaste Experiment

Antigonish Education Centre

Milo Ajquejay Sandler & Marshall Cooke

Junior Bronze Medal

Friction…Friend or Foe?

Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre/Academy

Molly Chiasson

Junior Bronze Medal

What Liquids Make Plants Grow?

Inverness Education Centre/Academy

Luke Gillis & Zoie Cormier

Junior Silver Medal

Absorbency of Different Sponges

Inverness Education Centre/Academy

Murdock MacLean

Junior Gold Medal

A Very Illuminating Experiment: An Experiment on Glow

Sticks

St. Andrew Junior School

Sophie Hannah & Ava Heighton

Junior Gold Medal

Comment Les Vers Réagisseht-ils à L’eau?

St. Andrew Junior School

Corbin Wyeth

Intermediate Bronze Medal

Escape Velocity

Dalbrae Academy

Charity Bernard

Intermediate Silver Medal

Plants Vs. Water: The Battle of Soil Erosion

Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School

Isla Corkum

Intermediate Gold Medal

H2Oh No: Mitigating the Effects of Hypoxia on Aquatic

Fauna

Dalbrae Academy Elise Munro

Intermediate Gold Medal

From Flower to Flavour: How Pollen Type Affects Honey

Dalbrae Academy

Beth Tubman

Senior Silver Medal

Does Age Correspond with the Labelling Theory?

Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy

Mayan Evenhar

Senior Gold Medal

Waste Not, Want Not; Enhancing Nuclear Energy Output

Dalbrae Academy

Donell O’Connor & Nila Munro

NSCC Award

Observer L’osmose Avec Les Bonbons

East Richmond Education Centre

Marley Hayne & Avree Landry

NSCC Award

Escape Velocity

Dalbrae Academy

Charity Bernard

NSCC Award

Plants Vs. Water: The Battle of Erosion

Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School

Isla Corkum

NSCC Award

From Flower to Flavour: How Pollen Type Affects Honey Dalbrae Academy

Beth Tubman

NSCC Award

H2Oh No: Mitigating the Effects of Hypoxia on Aquatic

Fauna

Dalbrae Academy

Elise Munro

Best Visual Display Grade 7-12

A Very Illuminating Experiment: An Experiment on Glow

Sticks

St. Andrew Junior School

Ava Heighton & Sophie Hannah

Association of Science Teachers of the NSTU

Presented to the student(s) who best generates excitement about scientific awareness and discovery in the world around them

From Flower to Flavour: How Pollen Type Affects Honey Dalbrae Academy

Beth Tubman

Sanofi Biogenus Award

Presented to a student(s) that shows entrepreneurial spirit by developing a projet with commercial potential

H2Oh No: Mitigating the Effects of Hypoxia on Aquatic Fauna

Dalbrae Academy

Elise Munro

Communication Award 7-12

Comment Les Vers Réagisseht-ils à L’eau?

St. Andrew Junior School

Corbin Wyeth

“For the Love of Science” Award

Physics/Chemistry with a Climate Change Theme

Waste Not, Want Not: Enhancing Nuclear Energy Output

Dalbrae Academy

Nila Munro & Donnell O’Connor

Environmental Award

Presented to a project that explores or promotes environmental sustainability

Plants Vs. Water: The Battle of Soil Erosion

Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School

Isla Corkum

University Scholarships

Donell O’Connor & Nila Munro

Dalbrae Academy

Dalhousie Faculty of Science Scholarship, $1,500

Donnell O’Connor & Nila Munro

Dalbrae Academy

St. Francis Xavier University Scholarship, $2,000

Mayan Evenhar

Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy

St. Mary’s University Dean of Science Entrance Award $2,000

Best in Fair Grand Prize

Grand Prize 3rd Overall

Waste Not, Want Not: Enhancing Nuclear Energy Output

Dalbrae Academy

Donell O’Connor & Nila Munro

Grand Prize 2nd Overall

H2Oh No: Mitigating the Effects of Hypoxia on Aquatic Fauna

Dalbrae Academy

Elise Munro

Grand Prize Best in Fair

From Flower to Flavour: How Pollen Type Affects Honey Dalbrae Academy

Beth Tubman

Wednesday April 19th

-45 Card Game at the New Horizon Club in Arichat at 2pm.

-Badminton at the Ecole Beau Port in Arichat from 6pm to 9pm. -45 Card play at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 37 in Mulgrave at 7:30pm. -Dart League at the D’Escousse Improvement Centre at 7:30pm. -Tracadie Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary BINGO at the Monastery Fire Hall at 7:30pm.

Thursday April 20th

-BINGO at the New Horizon Club in Arichat at 2pm.

-BINGO at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 81 in Guysborough at 7:30pm.

-Darts at the Havre Boucher Community Centre at 7:30pm.

-45s Card play at the D’Escousse Improvement Centre at 7:30pm.

-BINGO at the Port Hastings Volunteer Fire Department at 8pm.

Friday April 21st

-Fish Fry at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat from 4pm to 6:30pm. Eat in or take out.

-BINGO at the Port Hawkesbury Volunteer Fire Department at 8pm.

Saturday April 22nd

-Chase the Ace at the Tara Lynne Centre in River Bourgeois from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Café will also be open.

-45s card play at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 in Port Hawkesbury 1pm to 3pm. Bring a partner.

-Richmond County Mens Choir at the St. John’s Centre for the Arts in Arichat at 3pm.

-Family Square Dance at the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre at 7:30pm.

-Cribbage at the New Horizon Club in Arichat from 7:00pm.

-Richmond County Mens Choir at the St. Johns Centre for the Arts in Arichat at 3pm.

-Fundraiser for Craig Marchand at the Louisdale Parish Hall from 9pm to 1am. Auction Items, Music by Barretts Privateers. Tickets can be purchased at the B&E General Store in St. Peters or the Seal Cove Gas Bar in Louisdale.

Sunday April 23rd

-Mini Cribbage Card play at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 37 in Mulgrave at 1pm.

-Sunday Cribbage in the Seniors room at the St. Andrews Community Centre at 1pm.

-8 Ball Pool Tournament at the Little Anse Hall from 2:00pm

Report card shows how to address child poverty, but government action lacking

by Lois Ann Dort Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Guysborough Journal

GUYSBOROUGH: Child poverty in Nova Scotia, and the country overall, fell during the first wave of Covid due to federal support payments meant to alleviate the repercussions of an almost complete shutdown of the economy. In Guysborough and Antigonish counties, the rates were 19.6 and 15.2 per cent, respectively, for 2020, down from 25.5 and 19.9 per cent in 2019.

In the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia’s recently released 2022 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Nova Scotia: Kids Can’t Wait, data from 2020 indicates the child poverty rate fell by 24.3 per cent. The report noted, “Without the temporary pandemic benefits (including the CERB), the child poverty rate in Nova Scotia would have increased. Nova Scotians received 99 per cent of temporary benefits from the federal government (only 0.3 per cent from the provincial government).

With the end of CERB and the federal claw back of some CERB benefits, report authors Lesley Frank and Christine Saulnier anticipate the next poverty report card will show that the 2020 decrease in the poverty rate was only a minor interruption of the disturbing trend where Nova Scotian children continue to face the fourth highest poverty rate in the country and the highest poverty rate in Atlantic Canada.

Frank spoke to The Journal last week about the report, which was compiled with the most recent census data and tax filer information provided by Statistics Canada.

Poor by design

The report lists 17 recommendations to the provincial government to end child and family poverty. Asked which of those would be her top three priorities, Frank said, “The one that I would put as number one is the immediate need to redress the deprivation of people living on income assistance. What we classify as a minimum income for those folks is very far below the poverty line. So, they’re poor by design and this is a decision that government makes when they set those rates; that a certain proportion of people in this province will be poor by design.”

Rates of child poverty in Nova Scotia are higher among racialized groups at 29.5 per cent, almost double the rate for non-racialized children, at 15.8 per cent. Frank said her second top priority would be to address this long-standing disparity.

“We know that child and family poverty is racialized. It’s a result of longstanding inequities based on colonial practices. We have the highest child poverty rates, for ex-

ample, in our reserve communities…That pattern has been consistent over time,” said Frank.

And if Frank could have one more item to tick off the to-do list for the government, it would be a commitment to a poverty reduction plan. She said, “We have a federal poverty reduction plan. It set some targets; it’s been legislated. They’re doing important things around indexing the income supports that are in place to inflation, but the province doesn’t have a plan. And it had committed for setting a target for child poverty reduction when the new government took office and there’s been some work that was done last winter on bringing people together across government departments and talking to external experts and people with lived experience.”

But there has been no announcement of targets, what will be measured and what interventions will be used, Frank added.

Income supports lift children out of poverty

The main takeaway from the report is that the provision of economic supports, such as those distributed during the first year of the pandemic, can and do lift thousands of children out of poverty.

“Adequate income support did in fact bring families above the poverty line and we saw the largest single year reduction [of poverty] on record in the year 2020 when there was an almost complete shutdown of the economy in Nova Scotia,” said Frank, adding, “So we know what levers work but despite that, those were temporary measures. Almost 99 per cent of what reduced child poverty in 2020 were interventions from the federal government and they were temporary, most of them…Here we are in 2023 with new issues, food inflation. You can see the despair in people’s faces in the grocery store.”

And there is little relief in sight, at least not in the most recent provincial budget delivered in mid-March.

Michelle Ward, executive director of Kids First Association – a family resource program serving Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough counties – found the province’s decision to maintain the status quo on income assistance puzzling. She told The Journal in an interview on April 6, “It’s not necessarily a move that makes any sense to anyone whose working within community these days.”

Poverty impacts healthcare

Ward added that, if the monies available during Covid were embedded within the income assistance program – like a guaranteed income, the cost savings to the province on healthcare alone would be significant.

“No one’s talking about the fact that just

placing money in acute care is not going to get Nova Scotia out of our healthcare crisis. We have to be putting supports in areas like income assistance, wages [and] our supports to our rural communities. If we could be doing that, we’re actually saving our healthcare system a lot of money, but we’re not looking at that,” said Ward.

Local challenges growing

Speaking to the situation in Guysborough County, Ward said, “The level of food insecurity in Guysborough alone is quite shocking and I don’t think people quite know the depth of it or understand the depth of it. If you are not living that reality yourself, you’re not seeing it. But, I will say it is a real concern of our organization moving forward in terms of how we continue to support families who are going to be at levels of poverty we’ve never seen.”

Kids First has seen an increase in people looking for help with groceries and items for their children such as cribs, diapers and formula, Ward told The Journal. The organization has also seen a spike in its travel cost, up an estimated 30 per cent due to families being unable to afford transportation costs to pick up these items – which Kids First now delivers, when possible.

While Guysborough County has a notably high poverty rate, Ward said, “What I worry about in terms of Antigonish, because the report did say that Antigonish County had the lowest poverty rate in Nova Scotia, at 15 per cent, which I don’t really think tells the true story of what is actually happening in Antigonish. Poverty is very hidden in Antigonish…people aren’t talking about it because they think that Antigonish is doing really well, but the 15 per cent that are living in poverty are living in absolute poverty.

“Our organization and other organizations are seeing a very deep level of poverty in Antigonish, specifically around the housing crisis. All we’re doing is driving our poverty outside of the town because people can’t afford to live in town and so we are not seeing it and we are not talking about it and that really worries me. At least, in Guysborough Country, we’re talking about it. We’re not talking about it in Antigonish County, beside the poverty coalitions and folks like that [who] are talking about it, but it doesn’t feel to me that any level of government is listening.”

The Journal asked for feedback on the child and family poverty report card from several departments within the provincial government. A combined statement was provided by the Department of Community Services (DCS), Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and African Nova Scotia Affairs on April

11 via email and reads as follows: “The fact that there are children in Nova Scotia living in poverty is deeply troubling. Poverty is a significant, long-term, and complex issue impacting the well-being and health outcomes of children, families and communities. It is frequently intergenerational and systemic, often rooted in income levels, trauma, racism, access to health services, mental health issues and addictions. We know that people of African ancestry represent 2.9 per cent of the overall Canadian population and are disproportionately impacted by poverty.

“Nova Scotians experiencing poverty need many different types of services and resources to eliminate barriers and create opportunities and better outcomes. Children deserve care that gives them the best start in life and parents deserve childcare that is affordable, regardless of their financial means, and available where they live and when they work. Government is committed to building a high-quality publicly managed early learning and childcare system that is affordable, inclusive, and accessible. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has increased its investment in early learning and childcare by $83 million, for a total investment of $277 million to support this work,” read the email.

The statement concluded, “There is still much more work to do, and the province is committed to working across government, with communities, with our stakeholder partners, and with families themselves to make a difference in this area.”

In addition to the above statement, the following data was provided on measures in this year’s DCS budget to improve the lives of people living on low incomes: $23.3 million increase in disability support programs for residential and community-based programs; $8.2 million increase in funding for homelessness and supportive housing; $45.3 million for targeted housing initiatives including rent supplements, homeowner repair programs and investments in public housing; $8 million to increase the Nova Scotia Child Benefit for families in support of reducing childhood poverty; $13.4 million increase to address the needs of youth with complex needs; $7.8 million increase for prevention & early intervention funding; $3.9 million increase for new program and supports for youth leaving care in support of reducing child poverty; and $6.2 million increase for training and skills development for youth in support of reducing child poverty.

To read the 2022 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Nova Scotia, visit https://policyalternatives.ca.

Photo by Drake Lowthers

This gentleman

Record-breaking ocean temperatures reported: Warming waters impact shrimp fishery

by Lois Ann Dort

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Guysborough Journal

CANSO: Record-breaking warm temperatures were captured in the annual Atlantic Ocean monitoring program in the spring of 2022. This spring, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) scientist Chantelle Layton, who is part of the DFO team analyzing last year’s data, found record high temperatures across the survey area on the Scotian Shelf – the section of the Continental Shelf off Nova Scotia – excluding the

eastern Scotia Shelf, where DFO didn’t conduct an ecosystem survey last year.

Along with high temperatures, Layton told The Journal the data failed to find the typically present cold intermediate layer in waters off the western Scotia Shelf. She said, “We define that as water that is four degrees or colder and the survey that we use to calculate this is the ecosystem survey that occurs in July. That’s a good time to get a pulse on what that cold intermediate layer is like mostly because it is water from the winter that is at a deeper level.”

Layton explained the failure to find

Autism Nova Scotia concerned about potential CUPE school support workers strike

HALIFAX: With thousands of school support workers as part of CUPE’s Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions in a position to strike on Friday, Autism Nova Scotia is concerned the needs of students will be forgotten, including autistic students being left without supports in the school system.

“We are deeply concerned for Autistic students and students with disabilities who require specific supports, who will be left without options if a strike takes place,” said Cynthia Carroll, Executive Director of Autism Nova Scotia, “All students deserve equal access to education, it’s a human right. Without a proper contingency plan in place, autistic and students with disabilities will once again be left behind.”

Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for Autistics/individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and programming across the lifes-

pan.

Autistic students and their families often rely on one-on-one support from educational support assistants and early childhood educators, not to mention several other school support staff.

The inclusive education policy, which has been in place for three years, is not being applied in every classroom, and the corresponding support gap often falls solely with the student support worker, in many cases educational support assistants.

“Autistic students and students with disabilities may be asked to stay at home while the strike is going on,” said Cynthia Carroll, “and that’s simply not acceptable”.

Autism Nova Scotia hopes that an agreement will be reached in advance of a strike, however if an agreement cannot be reached, a contingency plan that does not single out students with disabilities or autism and ensures they have equal access to education during this time is essential.

The Reporter is currently searching for a dynamic, self-motivated, individual to join our team as a Administrative Assistant and Circulation Manager to work with our sales and editorial team.

The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of administrative support while providing excellent customer service for all people who visit the office, and will perform general administrative, production and classified advertising sales support. This position is the first point of contact and will collaborate with all team members supporting editorial, sales, proofreading, layout, and other production requirements.

Attributes and Responsibilities

• Basic math skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Strong inter-personal skills and strong communication skills with the ability to answer inquiries from customers, co-workers, government, community leaders, agencies, etc.

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and work with deadlines

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year experience in a similar position

• Excellent customer service and organizational skills

• Experience working with MS Suite of office products and internet applications

Send your resume in confidence to: nicolefawcett@porthawkesburyreporter.com

All applications will be gratefully accepted however, only those being considered will be contacted.

the cold intermediate layer could be attributed to two factors. Firstly, waters on the western Scotian Shelf were warmer and, “for the eastern Scotian Shelf, we didn’t get a chance to sample in that area and that’s usually where we find the colder waters.”

Layton concluded, “In many areas across the Scotian Shelf there are many records [for highest temperatures] at surface and at depth that’ve been reported; [it’s the] highest average almost across the board.”

Ginny Boudreau, manager of the Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen’s Association, told The Journal industry surveys on the eastern Scotian Shelf also picked up an extreme warming event in 2022.

Boudreau added that DFO hasn’t conducted an ecosystem or trawl survey on the eastern Scotia Shelf since 2018. The data sets that are available for the area come from snow crab and mobile shrimp fleet industry surveys, “and those data sets are all we have to feed into the models,” she said, explaining that more data was needed for the models to give an accurate assessment of

stocks.

“If we don’t have it [full data], then the model doesn’t work properly so we have to err on the side of caution,” Boudreau said, noting that this precautionary principle was the reason for the 25 per cent reduction in the shrimp quota this year, not warming waters as was reported in a CBC article at the end of March.

Speaking to the warming waters effect of the shrimp fishery, Boudreau said, “Over the last 10 years they [fishers] have noticed that with the warmer water there is less shrimp. It doesn’t mean that there’s less shrimp on the Scotian Shelf, it just means there’s less in Chedabucto Bay or in some of the areas that get too warm for it.”

Noting that shrimp are cold water species, she added, “A warming event like we had in 2022, it’s going to make it very difficult to catch your quota because the usual holes that you fish in have warmed up. You have to go out to deeper water to find the shrimp so it’s going to cost you more; more trips, farther trips or else you might not be able to land all your quota.”

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!

Crossword

ACROSS

1. Con

5. Nervous twitches

9. Like a fox

12. Checkered vehicle

13. Hand-cream ingredient

14. Green veggie

15. ____ out (barely makes)

6. Jack Horner’s fruit

17. Hoop part

18. Net

19. Paddy crop

21. Pass into law

25. Dunces

28. Underwater weapon

31. Dog on “Frasier”

32. “____ Got Sixpence”

33. Covered in foliage

35. First female

36. Quiz answer

38. Proved innocent

40. Run away

41. Loud noises

42. Flower holder

44. Couch

48. Hot brew

50. So long, in Liverpool: 2 wds.

53. At the summit of 54. Have title to

Sudoku

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes.

To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

55. ____-friendly

56. Assault

57. Assembled

58. Crooked

59. Pipe joints

DOWN

1. Arise

2. Dessert offering 3. Chopping tools

4. Blunder

5. Faucet

6. Feeling awful

7. Woo

8. Trucker’s rig 9. Jam knife

10. Hawaiian necklace

11. Starchy root

20. Massachusetts cape 22. Remove from print

23. Work by Keats

24. Cook in hot liquid

26. Lincoln bill

27. Begonia beginning 28. Spat

29. Racetrack shape

30. Pertinent

31. Gazed at

34. Cold-weather ailment

37. Caspian or Red

39. Guarantee

41. Razz

43. Cigar end

45. October birthstone

46. Leftovers wrap

47. No ifs, ____, or buts

48. Hanks of film

49. Ram’s counterpart

51. Perfect score

52. Sculpture, e.g.

Tender #MOCR20305 Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Services REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The Municipality of the County of Richmond is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking the services of qualified individuals/firms to provide Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Services.

The detailed Request for Proposal is available on the municipal website at https://www.richmondcounty.ca or may be requested electronically by contacting the undersigned. Not necessarily the lowest or any bid will be accepted.

Proposals may be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Tender MOCR202305 – Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Services” or via email to smury@ richmondcounty.ca to the undersigned no later than 2:00 pm on Friday May 5, 2023.

Should you have any questions on this matter, please contact Shannon Mury, Recreation Manager at (902)226.3981.

Municipality of the County of Richmond P.O. Box 120 2357 Highway 206 Arichat, NS B0E 1A0

Attention: Shannon Mury, Recreation Manager

CAREER

OPPORTUNITY

East Coast Credit Union is a dynamic, full service, financial cooperative using a focused approach to partner with individual and business members to achieve financial success.

Join our team of professionals today! We currently have openings for Full-time Financial Services Representative to serve our Port Hood & Mabou branches!

Visit www.eastcoastcu.ca and click on Careers for more information.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

It’s that time of year again when Nova Scotia turns its attention to the efforts of our regional volunteers and their work to build better communities in our province. Each year this spirit is celebrated by the Government of Nova Scotia and the many communities across the province, with the Provincial Volunteer Awards program. This year the volunteers will be honored with a celebration scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2023.

The Town of Port Hawkesbury is asking for nominations of individuals that have not already been a recipient of the award, and are a resident of the Town of Port Hawkesbury. The individual’s volunteer commitment can be in any field, i.e. service clubs, schools, coach, recreation, health, etc.

Please forward the name of the representative volunteer from your group or organization by May 15th to the Town of Port Hawkesbury at the Civic Center Box Office, 606 Reeves Street, Port Hawkesbury or email cgillis@townofph.ca.

Nomination forms are available on line at www. townofporthawkesbury.ca or you can drop by the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre to pick up a Nomination Form. For further information please contact 902-625-2591 or email cgillis@ townofph.ca.

Point Tupper Marine ServicesResponders

As a Certified Response Organization, Point Tupper Marine Services (PTMS) is prepared to respond to marine environmental impacts. PTMS have a number of trained personnel prepared to respond in the event of an oil pollution incident. Response personnel work to maximize environmental protection and to ensure the safety and efficiency of response efforts.

PTMS is seeking reliable candidates to respond to occasional call outs for oil pollution response training, exercising, or to an oil pollution incident. All response personnel will be compensated for their time when participating in training, exercises and spill response activities.

Training will be provided to those personnel selected. Responders will then be asked, from time to time, to take part in exercises, drills and incident responses depending on their availability. Responders would not be required to miss their regular work as this is not a full-time, part-time, or guaranteed position; it is on an as needed basis only.

If interested, please email ptmsinfo@everwindfuels.com for more information.

CLASSIFIEDS

The Merryweather Project, located in Port Hawkesbury, is a community effort to provide free formal attire. Check out our collection of preloved prom dresses, suits and separates, jewelry, shoes and accessories. We also have a few lovely wedding dresses, mother of the bride/groom, bridesmaid. We may just have what you are looking for! Available by appointment only Thursdays and Fridays 1 to 7; Saturdays 10 -3. To arrange an appointment email: themerryweatherprojectph@gmail or call or text: 902 623 2519.

Novena

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin: (Never known to fail): Oh most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my mother, Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. Grateful thanks. G.G.

at 10am St. Lawrence Parish – Mulgrave Sat. - 6 p.m. Stella Maris Pastoral Unit, Isle Madame. St. Joseph Parish, Petit de Grat - Saturdays at 4:00pm [alternating language French one week; English the next] Our Lady of Assumption, ArichatSundays at 10:00am [alternating language English one week; bilingual {E/F} the next]

UNITED BAPTIST Port Hawkesbury – A.U.B.C. Service– 10:30 a.m. www.phubc.com Phone: 902-625-0830

GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP (Non-Denominational) 10:30 a.m. Pastor Wanda Grant Evergreen Seniors Club Embree St., Port Hawkesbury Phone: 902-625-0357

EASTERN GUYSBOROUGH

UNITED CHURCH Rev. Heather Manuel Phone: 902-533-3711

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA St. Peter’s Grand River, Loch Lomond Pastoral Charge St. Peter’s

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA West Bay, Black River, Princeville ALL SERVICES 10 a.m. 902-345-2273 Rev. Donna Lovelace

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

209864

ARICHAT

Tourism in Richmond County

by Ann Marie Yorke

April is slipping away, already we have passed the middle of the month and I must say the weather is getting nice, finally time to pack away the winter clothing. The temperatures are perfect for those who want to get out and do some hiking, fishing, or just to get to take some pictures of the beautiful scenery around our county.

Richmond Reflections is out featuring a full list of activities for the whole family, that will keep you active and having fun. Gather your friends together and take in some of the great activities being offered. If you have not received a Richmond Reflections in the mail, you can check the guide out online by going to www.richmondcounty.ca and clicking on Richmond Reflections, you can also find the events mentioned on the wwwlvisitstpeters.com

Saturday, April 22

7pm: - Come to the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s to hear Robert Bouchard and Nick the Pick Boudreau. It is

going to be a great night of Entertainment. Tickets are $20.00 each. Call 902-535-2200 to reserve your spot.

Sunday, April 23

10 am – 4 pm: – The first Holistic Spring Market will take place at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River Inhabitants. This is a fundraiser.

Partial proceeds go to the Riverdale Community Hall and the Strait Area Women’s Place. Admission/day: $4.00 or $2.00 with donation for the food bank. Vendors are welcome.

2pm: – The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat will be holding their Sunday Bingo. The canteen will be open.

Friday, April 28

8:30pm – 12:30am: - The Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting their April Dance featuring Full Circle! $10 at the door. See you there!

2023 HEAVY GARBAGE COLLECTION

May 1 – May 28, 2023

A Heavy Garbage Collection Program will be carried out in Richmond County from May 1 to May 28, 2023. Please do not place waste curbside more than a week before the scheduled collection.

ITEMS ACCEPTED FOR COLLECTION

(includes but not limited to)

• Walk behind lawn mowers;

• Barbecues (no propane tanks);

• Snow blowers;

• Bicycles;

• Lawn Furniture;

• Furniture;

• Box springs and mattresses;

• Appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washer, etc);

• Hot water heaters;

• Fixtures (sinks, toilets, bathtubs,etc);

• Residential renovation / construction material;

• Bagged waste must be in clear, transparent, bags;

Please place similar items such as metals and loose wood in separate piles at the curbside. Please note that no scavenging of materials at the curbside by third parties is permitted.

Items placed for heavy collection shall not exceed 75 kg (165 lbs) in weight for any one item or 150 kg. (330 lbs) for all items for any one dwelling unit and no individual item shall measure more than 2.1 meters (7 ft.) in any dimension.

Waste that qualifies for curbside collection (municipal solid waste and recyclables) should NOT be placed for Heavy Collection – it should be placed for weekly collection.

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS NOT FOR COLLECTION

(includes but not limited to)

• Waste placed in non-transparent bags;

• Waste generated outside the Municipality;

• All tires with or without rims;

**These items should be returned to retailers or brought directly to the Richmond Solid Waste Management Facility;

• Household Hazardous Waste (propane tanks, wet cell batteries (car/RV/boat), insecticides, pesticides, household chemicals

** These items may be brought directly to the Richmond Solid Waste Management Facility;

• Vehicle bodies / large vehicle parts;

• Electronics and computer related equipment

** These items may be brought directly to the Richmond Solid Waste Management Facility;

• Paint

** May be dropped off at EPRA drop off location, St. Peter’s Bottle Exchange 9395 Hwy 4, St. Peter’s;

• Trees and leaf and yard waste

** May be dropped off at the Richmond Solid Waste Management Facility;

• Hazardous, reactive, septic or pathological waste;

• Dead animals;

• Loose broken glass (should be placed in a box or container and labelled “broken glass”);

• Asbestos containing material (contact Guysborough Waste Management Facility at 902-232-2316);

• Waste oil (return to retailer or contact the Guysborough Waste Management Facility at 902-232-2316);

Please direct any inquiries regarding the Municipality’s heavy collection to the Richmond Solid Waste Management Facility at 902-226-2396 or the Public Works Department at 902-226-2400. For more information visit www.richmondcounty.ca.

Saturday, April 29

2pm – 4pm: – The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat will be holding their Veteran’s Social Gathering

2pm: – The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat will be holding their Sunday Bingo.

7pm: – Come out and support this great cause. The Shine Blue Show will take place at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. This is a fundraiser in support of Autism Nova Scotia. The show will feature Lenoa Burkey, David Stone, Wendy & Rosie, Isabella Samson, Steve MacIntyre and Joe H. Henry. Great music and a great cause. Hope to see you there.

Sunday, April 30

2pm – 4pm: – Pastoral Airs Concert will be held at the United Church in St. Peter’s. Come out for an afternoon of Folk and Inspirational Music featuring Rev. Keith Wiseman, Krista Norman, Wayne Bona, Evelyn MacRae, Al Martin, Rosemarie MacLean and the Richmond County Men’s Choir, Everett Vase and Jack MacQueen, Paul Davis and Mannie Bourgeois and more. Free Will Offering at the door. Following the music at the Church there will be a Crock Potluck Supper at the United Church Hall with a collection at the door.

Until next week, I hope you have the opportunity to take in some of the great events taking place around the county. For a full list of events taking place around Richmond go to www.visitstpeters.com.

Ann Marie Yorke is a resident of St. Peter’s and provides this weekly column to The Reporter.

Memoriam

In Loving Memory of my Mother Mary Ann MacKenzie

July 26, 1918

April 25, 1997

God gave us our mother, And he tried to be fair, And when He gave us ours, We got more then our share. Although He took her back 26 years ago today, We are so grateful for The years he let her stay.

Your loving daughter Valerie Ann

Memoriam

In loving memory of Sadie Marie (MacQuarrie)

Lewis

Born: November 16, 1956

Died: April 30, 2001

April brings wonderful memories, reflections and celebration of a life that was far too short.

A day of remembrance, A passing year, A loving thought, A silent tear, A little prayer to keep in touch,

To say I miss you very much.

Your friend, Colleen

Memoriam In loving memory of Mary Ann MacKenzie

Born: July 26, 1918 Died: April 25, 1997 She always leaned to watch for us

Anxious if we were late, In winter by the window, In summer by the gate. And though we mocked her tenderly Who took such special care, The long road home would Seem more safe Because she waited there. Her thoughts were all so full of us She never would forget, And so I think that where she is She must be waiting yet. Waiting until we come home to her, Anxious if we are late, Watching from Heaven’s window, Leaning o’er Heaven’s gate, Down a road that’s calm and peaceful, Guided by God’s loving hand She has gone upon a journey To a distant, brighter land. It helps to bring us comfort Knowing she has family there, Til roses lose their petals, Til the heather has lost it’s dew Til the end of time, dearest Mother, We will remember you, They say it’s a beautiful journey, From the old world to the new, Someday we’ll make that journey, Which will lead us straight to you And when we reach that garden, In which there is no pain, We’ll put our arms around you And never part again. Mama, they say that angels Walk among us, and we know this is true

Because we were touched by an angel When God gave us you, Forever loved and cherished, Your loving daughters Colleen and Heather Angel

makes rain?

why drops of water fall Here’s an explanation.

large bodies of water and rivers, causing evaporate and rise as vamoisture moves upward, condenses to form clouds are blown tothe wind. As the clouds gather water droplets heavy. Eventually, grawater droplets fall as returns to earth, and all over again.

What makes it rain?

Ever wonder why drops of water fall from the sky? Here’s an explanation.

The sun heats large bodies of water like seas, lakes and rivers, causing the water to evaporate and rise as va por. As the moisture moves upward, it cools and condenses to form clouds. These clouds are blown to ward land by the wind. As the clouds move, they gather water droplets and become heavy. Eventually, gra vity makes the water droplets fall as rain. The water returns to earth, and the cycle starts all over again.

the spring and sumwarm. Warmth proevaporation, producing that make rain.

It rains more in the spring and sum mer because it’s warm. Warmth pro duces more evaporation, producing more clouds that make rain.

Spring

Spring into action: 4 fun activities

into action:

4 fun activities

lect unique items like pi necones, leaves, rocks, feathers and wildflowers. You can use what you find to make crafts, gifts and spring decor.

Spring is a great time to get outdoors and have fun. Here are four fun activities that may inspire you to get some fresh air.

2. Watch birds. Birdwatching is a great way to study nature. Borrow a bird book from your local library and see how many different

1. Go on a nature hunt. Challenge yourself to collect unique items like pinecones, leaves, rocks, feathers and wildflowers. You can use what you find to make crafts, gifts and spring decor.

Migration is when an animal moves from one region or habitat to another during a particular season. Many birds migrate twice a year. During the winter, they go south; in the spring, they return to the north. Here are some facts about three interesting migratory birds.

1. Hummingbirds. Calliope hummingbirds are the world’s smallest long-distance migratory birds, traveling over 5,000 miles annually. They leave central and southern British Columbia in late summer, flying south along the Pacific Coast and the American West to reach Mexico. Adult male calliope hummingbirds can be identified by their long purplish-red throat feathers.

2. Watch birds. Birdwatching is a great way to study nature. Borrow a bird book from your local library and see how many different

interesting

2. Arctic tern. Every year, arc tic terns migrate from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle. This is a round-trip journey of about 18,500 miles, making it one of the longest migrations of any bird species on the planet. Arctic terns can sleep and eat while gliding. They can also hover in midair, much like hummingbirds.

forget your umbrella!

Spring quiz

Spring is in the air! Test your knowledge of this sunny season with this short quiz.

Spring quiz

1. What’s the first day of spring called?

a) The vernal equinox

Spring is in the air! Test your knowledge sunny season with this short quiz.

b) The spring solstice

c) The Easter equinox

d) The Easter solstice

1. What’s the first day of spring called?

a) The vernal equinox

b) The spring solstice

2. On the first day of spring, day and night are nearly the same lengths. How long are they?

a) 10 hours

b) 12 hours

c) 14 hours

d) 8 hours

c) The Easter equinox

d) The Easter solstice

3. Is spring considered the year’s first, second, third or fourth season?

a) First

b) Second

c) Third

d) Fourth

2. On the first day of spring, day and night are nearly the same How long are they?

a) 10 hours

b) 12 hours

c) 14 hours

species you can spot in your neighborhood.

4. Go on a picnic. Spring is the perfect time for a picnic because the weather is mild and there aren’t many insects. Bring a blanket and some delicious snacks while enjoying the sounds of nature.

3. Dance in the rain. Spring is often associated with rain showers. Next time it rains, put on your rain gear and play in puddles. Don’t forget your umbrella!

Invite your friends and family to join you outdoors.

3 interesting migratory

birds

4. Go on a picnic. Spring is the perfect time for a picnic because the weather is mild and there aren’t many insects. Bring a blanket and some delicious snacks while enjoying the sounds of nature.

3. Bar-headed goose. Every spring, bar-headed geese fly from India through the Himalayan mountains and above Mount Everest to their nesting grounds in Tibet. They must cross some of the highest peaks in the world, rising to nearly 23,000 feet in altitude. Bar-headed geese rely on flapping their wings, not on gliding, and can fly over 50 miles per hour without wind to help them.

Which migratory birds do you see where you live?

Invite your friends and family to join you outdoors.

migratory birds

when an animal moves from one region another during a particular season. migrate twice a year. During the winter, in the spring, they return to the north. facts about three interesting migra-

their wings, not on gliding, and can fly over 50 miles per hour without wind to help them.

4. Which of the following holidays doesn’t happen in spring?

a) Easter

d) 8 hours

b) April Fool’s Day

c) Mother’s Day

3. Is spring considered the year’s first, second, third or fourth season?

d) Valentine’s Day

a) First

5. What does spring symbolize?

a) Peace

b) Love

c) Rebirth

d) Hope

b) Second

c) Third

d) Fourth

4. Which of the following holidays doesn’t happen in spring?

6. Spring is often associated with allergies. What’s considered the biggest allergy trigger?

a) Mould

b) Dust

c) Pollen

d) Dander

a) Easter

b) April Fool’s Day

c) Mother’s Day

d) Valentine’s Day

5. What does spring symbolize?

a) Peace

b) Love

c) Rebirth

d) Hope

6. Spring is often associated with allergies. What’s considered the biggest allergy trigger?

a) Mould

b) Dust

c) Pollen

d) Dander

3. Bar-headed goose. Every spring, bar-headed geese fly from India through the Himalayan mountains and above Mount Everest to their nesting grounds in Tibet. They must cross some of the highest peaks in the world, rising to nearly 23,000 feet in altitude. Bar-headed geese rely on flapping

4 eco-friendly apps to help you live more sustainably

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year’s theme is Invest in Our Planet. It focuses on engaging governments, institutions, businesses and citizens to do their part for the environment. Here are four ways to encourage your friends and family to live sustainably and join the world’s largest environmental movement.

1. Introduce them to eco-friendly products. If you love a company that cares about the environment, tell the people around you about it. Gift a friend an eco-friendly product, or let them borrow one of yours to see how they like it. This can help raise awareness for products and services that don’t harm the planet.

2. Share relevant content on social media. Share eco-friendly content you’re passionate about on social media. This could be anything from recycling and upcycling to composting and conservation. You never know; it could inspire others to get involved with saving the planet.

3. Emphasize the benefits of eco-friendly habits. Do you have a family member that always talks about saving money? Tell them how easy it is to find eco-friendly alternatives like energy-efficient light bulbs that can save money. If you have a health-conscious friend, tell them about the environmental benefits of buying local organic produce.

4. Plan a fun, pro-earth activity. Arrange an activity with friends or family to teach them about sustainability. For example, organize a nature walk in a local park to share the importance of protecting the environment. You could also invite someone to volunteer with you at a local pro-Earth initiative.

Getting your friends and family to care about the environment and change some of their habits is easier than you think!

Today, technology is integrated into almost every area of daily life. The environment is no exception. Here are four eco-friendly apps to help you live more sustainably.

1. OLIO connects neighbours and local businesses to give away surplus food instead of throwing it away. The app is available in various Canadian and US cities. Reducing food waste prevents excess methane from being released into the atmosphere.

2. Ecosia is a search engine available worldwide. The platform uses the ad revenue from user searches to plant trees where biodiversity is most threatened. Trees help cool the planet by absorbing harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

3. HappyCow helps users find healthy, vegetarian and vegan food options worldwide. Eating less meat and exploring plant-based options is good for the environment.

4. Think Dirty® educates users on the potential toxins in their household, personal care and beauty products. Users can scan the barcodes of over 350,000 products sold in the US and Canada to learn what they’re made of and discover healthier alternatives.

Using one of these apps is a great way to contribute to a healthier environment.