The Reporter

Strait Richmond Hospital adds new ultrasound suite Celtic Colours kicks o concert series

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

CLEVELAND: Staff at the Strait Richmond Hospital are celebrating the opening of a new, state-of-the-art ultrasound suite, that will fix the need for residents to travel, sometimes hours on end, to receive diagnostic care.

The investment, which was made possible by the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), purchased the $145,000 ultrasound machine that is now fully operational and welcomed their first patients on Oct. 5.

“We’ve expanded our services for ultrasound to the Strait Richmond Hospital, previously, patients in this catchment area would have had to travel to Antigonish, Inverness or Sydney to obtain these services,” NSHA’s Eastern Zone Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiac Services Raylene McGhee told The Reporter. “We felt it was a great need for this area, and we wanted to bring the service to where [its] needed.”

Annually, Strait Richmond anticipates

the service will support 2,000 to 2,500 appointments, covering outpatients, emergency patients and inpatients at the hospital.

“We’re always striving for that equal access to care,” Strait Richmond Hospital’s Site Lead Angela Meagher said. “We don’t want our rural facilities to miss out.”

McGhee indicated that this expansion of ultrasound came from an internal reflection of the services they provide at the local hospital.

“This wasn’t a routine expansion, it’s something that we worked on for over a year-and-a-half,” she said. “It was a gap we recognized internally.”

NSHA’s Team Lead for Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiology Ken Mrazek advised their patients who had to resort in travelling to Inverness or Sydney to complete their ultrasounds, meant for a four hour return trip, just for a single appointment.

Continued on page 2

Search for missing Port Hawkesbury resident suspended

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

PORT HAWKESBURY: The search for Derek Cyril Kruger has suspended but may be reactivated if new leads or information is brought forward.

On Oct. 3, the 78-year-old Kruger, was reported missing from Port Hawkesbury, after he was last seen at a gas station in Antigonish on the evening of Sept. 29.

“We cannot publicly identify the gas station,” RCMP Public Information Officer Cpl. Chris Marshall told The Reporter. “As the gas station itself is not involved in the investigation.” Kruger is described as 5-foot-4, with brown hair, wearing glasses and a hearing aid.

In an initial release from RCMP shortly after midnight on Oct. 4, it was advised Kruger may be driving a driving a red 1997 Mazda Miata with N.S. licence plate FAU 511.

Later that morning, at approximately 6:10 a.m., Colchester County District RCMP responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle on a logging road in Greenfield, Colchester County. RCMP officers learned that the vehicle, a red Mazda Miata, belonged to Kruger and was first observed in the area on Sept. 30 by a member of the public.

The member of the public reported the abandoned vehicle after seeing the RCMP media release concerning Kruger being missing.

Continued on page 8

Photo contributed. Port Hawkesbury resident, 78-year-old Derek Kruger was reported missing on Oct. 3, after he was last seen at a gas station in Antigonish on the evening of Sept. 29.

Photo by Mary Hankey.

The award-winning and highly acclaimed band Le Vent du Nord drew the audience in to their highly rhythmic and soulful music during The Universal Language concert at the Civic Centre in Port Hawkesbury.

Fatal anksgiving weekend crash being investigated by RCMP

MARGAREE FORKS: A fatal two-vehicle collision along Highway 19 in Inverness County on Oct. 6 has claimed the life a 78-year-old man.

A release from the RCMP indicated three additional people suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the collision.

At 4:59 p.m., Inverness County District RCMP, fire and EHS responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 19 near Margaree Forks involving a GMC SUV and a Toyota Prius.

An RCMP spokesperson told The Reporter the collision happened near a curve or bend in the roadway.

Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions prior to the head-on collision and it resulted in both vehicles ending up in the ditch.

According to RCMP the weather was clear and dry during the time of the collision.

“Both vehicles over-turned, and both came to rest in the same ditch,” RCMP Public Information Officer Sgt. Andrew Joyce said. “With the SUV still over-turned.”

The rear passenger of the Prius, a 78-year-old Timberlea

man, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and an adult passenger, both who are women from Halifax County, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the SUV, a 41-year-old woman from Chéticamp, was transported to hospital by EHS with apparent non-life-threatening injuries, while three youths, who were also in the SUV, appeared uninjured.

A collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the roadway reopened a er being closed for several hours. The investigation is ongoing.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time,” Joyce said.

Strait Richmond Hospital adds new ultrasound suite

Continued from page 1

Sarah Boyd, the team lead for ultrasound at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish advised three technicians will rotate from St. Martha’s to the Strait Richmond to localize the service.

“Already it’s proving to be paying off,” she said. “The first patient only had to travel 10-minutes to attend their appointment.”

With the technicians travelling from Antigonish, ultrasound appointments at the Strait Richmond Hospital will be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We get a lot of patients coming up from the Strait’s emergency department travelling via EHS to St. Martha’s,” Boyd said. “And we’re going to be able to provide that service here.”

As an additional positive spin-off, having access to the ultrasound services at the Strait Richmond will free up paramedics tasked with transferring patients via EHS and subsequently wasting their resources and time, in doing so.

“We’re very proud and there’s a feeling of accomplishment having extended the services,” McGhee said. “And just like Angela said, bringing the care to the rural communities, it’s about access of care.”

upwards of 2,500 ultrasound appointments annually.

LaHave River, East Coast Credit Unions merge

New East Coast Credit Union will serve more than 45,000 members from 19 locations, with approximately $1.3 billion in assets

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

STRAIT AREA: Members of LaHave River Credit Union and East Coast Credit Union have voted in favour of merging.

Together the new credit union will serve more than 45,000 members from 19 locations, including a digital branch, in communities across Nova Scotia, with approximately $1.3 billion in assets.

“We are happy members see the value this merger will bring,” President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union Ken Shea said. “We look forward to building on LaHave River’s strong co-operative roots on the South Shore, and enhancing the products and services we can bring to the community.”

The name of the new credit union will be East Coast Credit Union with Ken Shea as President and CEO.

Following the official amalgamation date, which is expected to be Jan. 1, 2024, the LaHave River Credit Union will be known as the LaHave River Branch of East Coast Credit Union.

“Members have spoken, and we’d like to thank everyone who

voted,” Mary Oxner, Board Chair for East Coast Credit Union said. “We’re starting from a strong foundation of partnership, and we look forward to growing from our shared values and commitment to serve members and community. Thank you to the members of both East Coast and LaHave River who took the time to vote and be a part of the future direction of your credit union.”

John Vissers, Chair of the Board for LaHave River Credit Union, based in Bridgewater suggested they are pleased that their members accepted the board’s recommendation.

“We see this merger as an investment in our future and ensuring our credit union remains a competitive and relevant choice that continues to serve our members and community for years to come,” Vissers said. “The LaHave Board of Directors has tremendous confidence that the East Coast team will provide a high level of support to the LaHave River staff.”

In support of the community, each credit union donated $1 for every vote cast to local charities and as a result, East Coast Credit Union will donate $3,200 to Feed Nova Scotia and LaHave River Credit Union will donate $250 to Shaid Animal Shelter and $250 to the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank.

The Cleveland-based hospital anticipate

Photos by Drake Lowthers.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority purchased a $145,000 ultrasound machine for the Strait Richmond Hospital. The hospital’s Site Lead Angela Meagher, far right, says they are always striving for equal access to care.

MODG ‘friend and mentor’ Gary Cleary retires a er 36 years

by Alec Bruce Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Guysborough Journal

GUYSBOROUGH: Gary Cleary, who retired recently a er 36 years at the Municipality of the District of Guysborough, is a man of few words when it comes to his decades of service. Reflecting on his immediate future, he said, cheerily, “I plan to work for myself and do a bit of travelling.”

Those who’ve worked with him, however, are more forthcoming about their “friend, mentor, inspiration and confidant,” who has been, at various times since starting his career in 1987, MODG’s building inspector/ development officer, director of waste management, acting chief administrative officer and, most recently, director of special projects.

“About the only thing I haven’t seen Gary do over the years is walk on water,” laughed MODG Warden Vernon Pitts.

The list is impressive.

He helped lay the groundwork for the Sable Gas Plant Project, the Melford Container Terminal and MODG’s award-winning, second-generation waste management facility. He contributed to broadening the municipality’s economic base, employment opportunities and recreational facilities.

“It was a very, very good time to work for the municipality,” Cleary said about all of this.

Still, said Pitts, Cleary’s level-headed, consultative approach to frequently complex, o en challenging, tasks, was crucial.

“He was a great sounding board, open and willing to discuss any idea; and believe me there were some ideas right out there in le field,” the warden said. “He is the type of person you felt comfortable with just by his

handshake. But, first and foremost, he would listen. I never heard him say, ‘I’ve done this or that.’ It was always, ‘We’ve done it as a team.’”

Cleary said he’s comfortable leaving what continues to be “a very, very good municipality to work for.” He’d like to travel “mostly in Canada, to different places,” and “look a er my woodlot and some rental properties and stuff.”

“Gary has this uncanny ability to take on roles and responsibilities and do very well. He’s always ready to lend a hand, whether it be helping his neighbour or many other volunteer roles over the years,” Pitts said. “We will miss his contributions, and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.”

MODG Warden Vernon Pitts presented Gary Cleary with a certificate of appreciation recently. Cleary retired after 36 years of working in key roles at the municipality, most recently as director of special projects.

Vehicles disregard crossing guards in Antigonish

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

ANTIGONISH: Town of Antigonish crossing guards have reported numerous close calls with vehicles in some local crosswalks as students have been crossing the street.

“We received a report and complaint through the town Bylaw Office of crosswalk guards being ignored by motorists during the first week of school,” Sgt. Warren McBeath told The Reporter in written correspondence on Oct. 3.

Sgt. McBeath indicated these “close calls” occurred at the intersections of Braemore Drive and Xavier Drive and Braemore Drive and Hawthorne Street during the first week of school, after Labor Day.

“We have identified one vehicle,” he said. “And the investigation is ongoing.”

Following the incidents on the first week of school, RCMP have been monitoring local crosswalks and there has not been any additional occurrences.

Drivers and cyclists are required to stop and yield the whole roadway at a crosswalk. Failure to do so can result in a ticket of $697.50 under the Motor Vehicle Act. Only when pedestrians and crosswalk guards are safe on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.

“Depending on the circumstances, if it was a deliberate act then it would be a court appearance for Dangerous Driving,” Sgt. McBeath said. “And the judge would decide the penalty.”

Photo contributed.

Market value or municipal assessment: what’s the di erence?

Are you preparing to become a homeowner? Are you wondering about the difference between the market value and municipal assessment amounts for the homes you’re viewing? Here’s a guide to help you understand the distinction between the two.

Municipal assessment

The municipal assessment is an estimate made by local government authorities of the value of a property for taxation purposes. This number is used to determine the amount of taxes the owner must pay.

Market value

The market value represents the price at which a property can be bought or sold on the open market. Ideally set by a real estate appraisal professional, this number is determined by supply and demand, plus factors like location, condition, unique features, local amenities and real estate trends.

In a nutshell, municipal assessment is carried out to establish property tax amounts, often based on comparable data and standardized criteria. In contrast, market value is used to estimate the sale price of a property and is affected by market conditions and the property’s characteristics.

With this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the market and find the property best suited to your situation. When considering your purchase budget, remember to rely on the market value rather than the municipal assessment.

Potlotek to upgrade the local IT Infrastructure and connectivity to all public buildings throughout their community

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

POTLOTEK: Potlotek First Nation, in partnership with Devantec IT & Security Solutions and Seaside Powered by Rogers Communications, are thrilled to announce receipt of funding through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund to upgrade the local IT Infrastructure and connectivity to all public buildings in our community.

This is a project that we are extremely proud about. This significant funding in the amount of $200,000 will allow Potlotek First Nation to provide enhanced services, increased access, and cybersecurity to protect localized data.

Mark Patterson, CEO of Devantec IT & Security indicated they are very proud to be a partner with Potlotek First Nation on this progressive project for their community.

“As an organization that focuses first on the safety of our client’s technology and information, the improvement of technology advancements and strong and positive strategic partnerships throughout Atlantic Canada,” Patterson said. “We know that the upgrades and advances that will be implemented will help all members of the Potlotek community and the overall organization. Communication will be stronger, and technology will be greatly enhanced.”

As community service organizations, including charities,

non-profits, and Indigenous governing bodies, across Canada work to support recovery in their communities, the Community Services Recovery Fund will help them adapt and modernize their operations to grow their support in communities.

Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds suggested community service organizations are at the heart of communities like Potlotek First Nation, creating a sense of belonging from coast to coast to coast.

“The Community Services Recovery Fund will enable the organizations that serve our diverse communities to adapt and modernize their programs and services and to invest in the future of their organizations, staff, and volunteers,” Sudds said. “Together, we can rebuild from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a more just and equitable future for those in Potlotek First Nation.”

Additionally, Potlotek First Nation would like to thank Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation for their work in the Community Services Recovery Fund and their continued support for Potlotek First Nation.

“We’re excited about the future of Potlotek First Nation, and we know that this will have a positive impact on not only our organization,” Potlotek’s Economic Development Officer Tahirih Paul said. “But our overall communications with our community for future growth and development.”

Port Hawkesbury council passes motion to purchase $50,000 mowing equipment

2023 Port Hawkesbury Sports Wall of Fame inductees announced by Adam McNamara

PORT HAWKESBURY: The Town of Port Hawkesbury’s council passed a motion to approve the spending of $50,000 on a mower attachment aiming to maintain the town’s walk ways, ditches, parks and trails.

The item was revisited by council at their regular, monthly council meeting on Oct. 3. The motion to look at mowing options was originally made at a special meeting of council during the summer, when council was concerned about overgrown areas throughout the town.

Updating council on the work done since the original meeting, CAO Terry Doyle said the pricing has been done on potential equipment which might work.

“At this point in time that is the attachment that will work best with our equipment, the cost is quite expensive,” Doyle told council. “It’s over $50,000 for that one piece of equipment.”

Director of Finance, Erin MacEachen said she felt council could still entertain other options; suggesting staff keep this purchase within the annual process and to also keep in mind they have numerous items coming up to consider in budget.

“I just think when we take things outside of the budgetary process, we forget the other things that may have dropped off our list that were priorities at that time,” MacEachen said.

Councillor Mark MacIver explained because the motion was already made to decide, following a look into the possible options, he felt council should move forward and make their decision. MacIver’s statement was echoed by Councillor Hughie MacDougall and Councillor Jason Aucoin.

MacIver explained a visit to New Glasgow with another

councillor took place, where they were able to view the boom flail mower and what it does.

“Their trails and walkways are all nicely manicured from what we saw,” he said, after seeing what the mower can do. “And I thought that moving forward with this was the direction we were going in and was what we discussed in our last meeting.”

Councillors said contracting the mowing out during the summer adds up to almost $20,000 a year and after much discussion council supported the motion to purchase the mower attachment.

Additionally, during the council meeting, the newest recipients of the Port Hawkesbury Sports Wall of Fame were also announced.

This year’s recipients are: the 1909 Junior Hockey team from Port Hawkesbury who were the Cape Breton Championship winners in that specific year, and the 1975 Strait Esso Flyers who were Maritime Intermediate Baseball Champions. The individuals being inducted are Mike Ryan and Frank MacInnis, while Mike Marchand and Sara Pluta are the youth inductees.

MacDougall who is the council representative on the committee, said this year the members decided to add a Strait Pirate Volunteer Appreciation Night to their programme taking place on Nov. 24.

“The Pirates have a home game here and all the past committee and volunteers and anybody involved in the pirates in the last 59 years, I think it is, we’re going to have a celebration for them that night on the 24th,” he said.

MacDougall thanked the committee members for “all their hard work.” The official induction ceremony takes place on Nov. 25.

Photo contributed.

Tahirih Paul, Economic Development Officer of Potlotek First Nation and Mark Patterson, President & CEO of Devantec IT & Security Solutions are happy Potlotek received $200,000 through the Community Services Recovery Fund to upgrade the local IT Infrastructure and connectivity.

e intergenerational cost of the residential school system

by Mitchell Ferguson

Journalism Initiative Reporter

MEMBERTOU: While the residential school system is in the past, its painful legacy endures, casting a shadow over Indigenous communities for generations.

In Unama’ki (Cape Breton), Mi’kmaw children were sent to Shubenacadie Residential School.

Jocelyn Marshall, 40, of Membertou is the granddaughter of a survivor of the residential school in Shubenacadie. Elizabeth LaPorte was No. 27, as students were given numbers, which were often used in place of their names.

Marshall suggested her grandmother talked little about her residential school experiences.

“I never knew she was a survivor until I was in my 20s. It was her way of suppressing those memories. She didn’t want us to feel her pain,” said Marshall. “When I asked her about it three years ago, she only told me her number was 27.”

Marshall indicated sometimes she’d hear stories from other family members about the abuse her grandmother faced.

“I heard a story once that when she was at the school, boiling water was poured over her head,” Marshall said. “She said it was an accident, I think they were taught to say that.”

After leaving the school, Marshall said LaPorte quickly married and had children. She met Marshall’s grandfather, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, started a family and raised her sons in military communities – explaining it was all part of a plan to keep her children safe.

“She raised her children a lot different than she was raised. She didn’t have a choice. My grandmother passed away two years ago,” Marshall said. “I was finding all of this out at her wake. I said, ‘Wow, she must have married right after she left residential school.’ They said she knew the government wouldn’t take her kids to the school if she had married into the military.”

LEGACY OF TRAUMA

Marshall’s father and uncles grew up with a strict military lifestyle devoid of their culture. Students in Residential Schools were forced to assimilate into a “Canadian” lifestyle and punished for speaking their language or engaging in traditions. Marshall explains this created a legacy of trauma and pain that still affects families today.

“You see a loss of language. You see alcoholism. You see behavioural problems. My father was quiet, their household was a ‘speak when you’re spoken to’ kind of home,” Marshall said. “My grandmother spoke Mi’kmaq until she died but my father and uncles don’t.”

Two generations removed from the horrors; Marshall still says her journey dealing with addiction was a manifestation of that same trauma.

“I’ve been sober for four years. I didn’t realize how much of it stemmed from intergenerational trauma, not directly derived from my parents to me,” she said. “But from my grandparent’s experience and how my uncles were raised, how we all were raised.”

BRADY DOUCETTE

Brady Doucette of Potlotek is a 26-year-old Master of Education student at Cape Breton University and the greatgrandson of Chief Noel Doucette, former chief of Potlotek First Nation (Chapel Island) and president of the Union of Nova Scotia Indians.

Doucette’s great-grandfather attended the Residential School in Shubenacadie as a child before leading the movement to shut it down as an adult.

“In 1967, my (great-grandfather) was on the Indian Advisory Council,” Doucette said. “One of the first to voice the opinion that the school should be shut down, and then later that year it closed.”

Chief Noel Doucette died months before Brady was born, so he never heard about his great-grandfather’s experiences firsthand. Doucette explanied he understands that his people’s loss of language and culture connects to his great-grandfather and other survivors’ hardships.

“We don’t have the ties to our culture we could have had if they weren’t robbed of the knowledge they could have gained,”

Doucette said. “I’m an educator. I understand that the things instilled in us happen during childhood. If they didn’t have an upbringing in a system trying to rip them from who they were, we’d probably be much better off as a people.”

EDUCATION AS HEALING

Doucette sees education as healing these intergenerational wounds but says it needs to be focused. Moving between schools in Mi’kmaw and non-native communities, he’s witnessed extreme differences in Residential School education.

In his education studies, he focuses his research on decolonizing education, and suggests we need to start educating children as young as possible.

“It’s better to start young when introducing students and learners to ideas like this. Residential schools are probably the worst thing in Canada’s history,” Doucette said. “We must show them how bad the world was — before we can plant seeds on how much better it could be.”

Marshall agrees that education about Residential Schools is needed to continue healing from the intergenerational effects that she says she notices even in her children.

“It’s important for Mi’kmaw people and our non-native friends to spread awareness on Residential Schools,” Marshall said. “The ripple effect from intergenerational trauma is still alive, and I see it with my children not being able to speak our language.”

BREAKING THE CYCLE

Marshall said she’s taken it upon herself to promote healing in her family.

“I am trying my best with what I know to break through those barriers; we go out, and we sing, and it’s healing. We go out and take them to powwows, and they love it,” she said. “They know my grandmother was a survivor, and they dance for her because when she was younger, she couldn’t dance.”

Marshall thinks about her children when considering breaking the cycle of trauma and says she can already see it happening.

Photo contributed.

Jocelyn Marshall of Membertou and her late grandmother Elizabeth LaPorte, a survivor of the residential school in Shubenacadie. “I never knew she was a survivor until I was in my 20s. It was her way of suppressing those memories. She didn’t want us to feel her pain.”

“My children come home from school in Membertou and they teach me new words and they teach me new phrases. They’re so proud coming home telling me, ‘You know what I learned today?’ I didn’t have that when I was young. Already my children are breaking the cycles,” Marshall said. “I tell them to be proud to be Mi’kmaw children and that’s healing. If they don’t think it’s healing, they’ll know when they get older.”

School supplies initiative deemed huge success

by Alec Bruce

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

GUYSBOROUGH: A first-time school supplies giveaway has been so well-received this year that the principal of Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy (CEC/GA) plans to repeat the program next year, and the year a er that.

“We got very positive feedback from parents,” Barbara Avery told The Journal. “It was our first, but [we expect] to continue it for all [students from] Primary to Grade 12.”

Although precise numbers are not available, she said the savings to parents on such items as pencils, crayons, and scribblers this year may have run into the thousands.

“We have 267 students here. I would say that [the cost] would [normally] be around $100 per student,” Avery said. “The beginning of school can place a lot of financial pressure on families. With the rising cost of everything, in our area there is more need. Plus, it’s not easy [for some people] to reach out.”

The initiative originated last year with discussions among school staff who, she noted, wanted to start off with real positive news.

“We are pleased to offer free school supplies to our students this year,” CEC/GA said in a July memo to parents. “Students are only required to bring their own backpack, lunch box, headphones/ear- buds, indoor sneakers for physical education class, water bottle and a binder, if they would like one.”

Avery said the program has benefitted from extensive input from teachers, who shared what they felt students would need in their classes.

“This also made it easier for them to respond, as they knew what supplies their students had, and they could plan their lessons accordingly,” she said, noting the school’s budget covered most of the initiative’s cost. “We’re also very appreciative of the financial help we received from individual [MODG] councillors who, when they heard about it, really wanted to support it.”

Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE) Coordinator of Communications Deanna Gillis told The Journal in August, that over the last several years, in particular, with an inclusion and equity approach in mind, schools were asked to consider how they could help support their families with the purchase of some school supplies.

Schools within the SRCE are continually looking for ways to support families and the school supplies support is an additional way to offer assistance.

“I’m from the area, and so is the vice-principal, and so are a lot of the teachers,” Avery said. “We know our community. We try to keep the lines of communication open and support people in any way we can.”

HOME CRAFTERS OF CAPE BRETON

CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW

HANDCRAFTED BY LOCAL CRAFTERS

ST. THERESA’S PARISH CENTER

(Corner of Ashby Rd. and St. Peter’s Rd)

NOTE: TWO DAYS ONLY – FRIDAY & SATURDAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023; 3:00PM – 8:00PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023; 10:00AM – 6:00PM

ADMISSION $3.00 FREE FOR CHILDREN UNDER TWELVE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

OPINION

It’s time for a lesson in manners

Column by Nicole Fawcett

I received an email recently and my name was in all caps, Ms. FAWCETT and it caused me to sit up in my chair.

Caps in any form of electronic communication is read as someone hollering at you. Email or text etiquette is very difficult. Was this person angry and meant this tone, or did they simply copy and paste my name to ensure proper spelling?

Honestly, I’m still not quite sure.

The tone of email and texts is o en decided by the mood of the reader, not the sender. They are o en sent in haste with spelling errors and no grammar. This allows for a lot of misunderstandings.

There are rules of email and text etiquette. Like most forms of etiquette and simple respect, they are o en disregarded.

How can we expect people to follow electronic etiquette, when many disregard it in person? What happened to common courtesy and basic respect?

Growing up, there were a lot of rules about basic courtesy for children. Don’t speak before spoken to; do not interrupt the adults; do not speak disrespectfully to any adult, let alone a person of authority.

Like most things, there were those who took it too far. On the other hand, we have went too far in the opposite direction.

I had a very good friend who had the house everyone gathered in. A strict rule in her house was no kids in the kitchen, or at the kitchen table when company was over. BEST RULE EVER (shouted in caps).

I adopted that rule in my own home.

At that kitchen table, we talked about loss, my marriage breaking up, concerns for the kids and so many issues. There were a lot of tears at that table. There were also laughs – a lot of laughs. The kind of laughing that made your stomach hurt. These were adult conversations and o en adult humour. Not the kind of conversations to be had in front of children. I treasure those moments so much.

When asked why I had that rule in my house, the answer was simple. I did not go hang out with my children when their friends came over and listened to their conversations – I expected the same courtesy.

While this was extremely healthy for me, I believe it was important for the children as well.

I’m sure most people can think of a time when they went to visit their friends or family and they never had an opportunity to interact as adults, with the adults. The children were there, interrupting and over-talking, or even worse, performing so that all the adults sit around quietly while the kids are the center of attention.

I understand there are those who may enjoy this. I highly doubt there are very many. The meet and greet is important and I do enjoy it, but honestly, I didn’t come to visit your children.

Like all parents, my children will always be my first priority. They are the center of my universe. However, it is an important lesson to learn there are times that are simply not about them, and they are certainly not the center of everyone else’s universe.

They were perfectly safe in the next room while their mother had time with her friends while I was visiting. There is nothing wrong with relaxing and being yourself for a few moments.

In the next room, the children learned not to come into the kitchen to interrupt others speaking, unless it was super important. They learned to solve their own minor conflicts with the other children without adult interference – unless it became necessary. They learned to entertain themselves. They learned with a room o en full of moms, that you could get in trouble with all by disrespecting one.

I’m not saying that all the children consistently practice what they had learned during these times, not even close, but what I am saying is that it was an important starting point. I am also not putting the blame of the current lack of common courtesy and etiquette on children – they may be our only hope. We have somehow landed in the Age of Entitlement. The golden rule, “do unto others like you would like done unto you,” is a thing of the past.

How can you be considerate to others when you and yours are the only ones who matter?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Increasing childcare access for Island Healthcare workers

Healthcare workers at Cape Breton Regional Hospital will soon have access to significantly improved childcare services, thanks to a partnership between the Province of Nova Scotia and a childcare center in Sydney.

Health Park Early Learning Centre, situated near Cape Breton Regional Hospital, is gearing up to launch a demonstration project this fall that will offer a dozen spaces for overnight childcare, operating at full capacity (66 spaces) on weekends and extending hours on weekdays.

“We understand that securing childcare outside of standard operating hours is a significant hurdle for many healthcare professionals,” Cape Breton East MLA Brian Comer said. “By extending services to include evening, weekend, and overnight care at a trusted facility, we’re offering more options for families dedicated to providing essential care to Nova Scotians.”

This initiative will commence once all necessary policies, procedures, and staffing are in place, with a comprehensive

evaluation scheduled six months into the project. The center is actively working with interested families, with a specific focus on children aged four and under.

“This is a substantial boost for childcare, health care access, and the well being of our healthcare heroes,” Glace Bay-Dominion MLA John White said. “This funding signifies our commitment to empowering families here in Cape Breton and ensuring healthcare workers can go to work and not have to worry about finding care for their young children.”

This initiative highlights the dedication of the Houston Government to enhance and modernize both the childcare and healthcare systems, guaranteeing that families can rely on accessible care, when and where they need it. This effort aligns with a comprehensive strategy called “Action for Health,” aimed at strengthening healthcare by attracting and retaining healthcare professionals and enhancing working conditions.

Nova Scotia PC Caucus

PUBLISHER Nicole Fawcett nicolefawcett@porthawkesburyreporter.com

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Charlie Teljeur

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Tom Peters

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CAPE BRETON’S RESTORATION EXPERTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Response to the Antigonish warden and mayor joint letter

Disappointment is not a strong enough word for my take on the joint letter submitted by the mayor and warden that was published on October 4.

In my opinion, the lack of full disclosure and their continued attempt to sell consolidation, knowing that they have absolutely failed to answer relevant questions of their electorate, is unworthy of the offices they both hold.

There has been no “…journey to explore consolidation over the past couple of years.” We now know that there were covert meetings with staff at the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing (DMAH) without the knowledge of our elected councillors until the idea was brought to the separate town and county councils, on the same night, and at those meetings on Sept. 13, 2021, there was a vote to explore consolidation.

Since that date there has been an all-out sales campaign to market to the people their concept of first, a regional municipality, and later a county municipality due to increased RCMP costs of $1 million. Recently, we’ve been seeing expensive videos as part of the sales campaign. There was no “exploration” as that term is defined.

Legitimate questions about the pros and cons, about infrastructure in both municipalities, about other business questions, relevant to us and not WindsorWest Hants, have not been answered. A few examples include the future of the Antigonish electric utility given that it serves only the town and part of the fringe; the potential loss in provincial grants because the town’s current Class 1 status would be reduced to Class 2; and how a consolidated council table of voices would not weaken the voices of our strong yet smaller communities in the county.

The information given by the warden and mayor in their letter, about the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) in 2006, is “cherry picking” at their best with respect to the extent of what actually happened.

In May of 2001, not 2006, the town did attempt a large land grab by annexation, but then the county responded with a request to the UARB for amalgamation. The UARB did indeed issue a preliminary opinion in February 2005 in favour of amalgamation and also indicated a plebiscite would be held to measure the public support.

The plebiscite was temporarily stayed because the town appealed the UARB amalgamation decision and the UARB’s authority to decide on an amalgamation. The town lost in the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, heard on Sept. 23, 2005, with written decision 2006-03-07. The previously stayed plebiscite was held in October 2006 with 84 per cent of the county voting yes and 74 per cent of the town voting no to an amalgamation.

The UARB changed its mind, despite winning the case.

The truth is that the animosity was primarily among the warden, mayor, and some of their councillors. It was not among the town and county residents whom they were elected to serve.

And today, there is still no animosity

among the town and county residents; if anything, the majority are united in a demand for a vote and the use of one of the two legal processes under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) if an amalgamation is to be considered.

The repeated comparison of the “Special Legislation” from the provincial government for the Windsor-West Hants consolidation, to a consolidation for us, is deliberately misleading by the mayor, warden, and some councillors.

That merger is NOT a precedent-setting case for Antigonish. A group of citizens approached the UARB for an amalgamation under the MGA and it was put on hold.

After a municipal election and review, the provincial government allowed Special Legislation due to the unique circumstances in this county: there were three municipalities in that county and only two wanted to form a regional government under Part XVII of the MGA.

As confirmed in the Legislature. as recorded in Hansard on Sept. 25, 2018,: “…the situation is unique because the regional government will consist of only Windsor and West Hants. Typically, under the Municipal Government Act, the regional government would be formed from all of the municipalities in a particular county. In this case only Windsor and West Hants wish to consolidate, which requires a separate piece of legislation to allow this process to proceed.”

This statement could not be more clear; they could not use Part XVII to amalgamate because they didn’t fit the requirements. There is no legitimate reason for the mayor and warden to be asking the province to create Special Legislation to merge the town and county except that perhaps they want to dump the blame for a merger on the province.

Also, they are attempting to avoid the studies and vote legislated in the MGA. If a “path forward” is needed for municipal modernization, it should be done legislatively with amendments to the MGA, and vetted by the provincial Law Amendments Committee, not done through the “back door” with Special Legislation.

They closed their letter with “Let us do what we were elected to do and what the community expects us to do: lead.”

Our numerous Let Antigonish Decide (LAD) community meetings, over 4,200 signatures on petitions, our professional poll, and the hired consultants who wrote the “What we Heard Report”, all attest to what our community expects from our municipal leaders.

Lack of trust is created by those who believe they can ask the province to create a new legislative process to override the law and the citizens they represent. Public trust in our Antigonish mayor, warden and some councillors is at an all time low.

Our community expects our elected representatives to listen to the people they represent, to provide answers that are known in-house, and to respect the will of the people.

Anne-Marie Long Let Antigonish Decide

Tracadie

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As the minimum wage in Nova Scotia increased to $15 per hour, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling for a more predictable and fair system that better supports low-income workers in the long run.

While we acknowledge the intent behind this wage increase, we believe it’s imperative to discuss the broader implications. We call for a shi towards a more predictable and fair system that pegs minimum wage to a percentage of the median wage prevalent in the provinces, so they increase in parallel to each other, reflecting real, measurable situations.

A predictable minimum wage system tied to the median wage is a strategic measurable step toward achieving fairness

CHARLIE’S COMICS

by Charlie Teljeur

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Atlantic Liberal MPs refuse to ‘Axe e Carbon Tax’

Canada’s common sense Conservative Atlantic Caucus released the following statement on the Trudeau Liberals voting to maintain Trudeau’s inflationary tax:

“Once again, the Trudeau Liberals have decided to punish Atlantic Canadians. By refusing to axe Trudeau’s tax on gas, heating and groceries, Liberals are inflicting more pain on Canadians who are barely hanging on. The last thing Canadians need is for the Liberals to quadruple the carbon tax to 61 cents/litre.

“As it becomes more and more obvious that Atlantic Canadians have had enough of the Prime Minister, Atlantic Liberal MPs are now trying to distance themselves from Trudeau’s carbon tax. Newfoundland Liberal MP, Ken McDonald, even admitted that the carbon tax is “punishing the rural areas of our country and the most vulnerable people in our society.” This didn’t stop him for voting against Conservative motions to repeal the carbon tax twice earlier this year.

“Now, seven Atlantic Liberal MPs have all expressed concern about their own carbon

for both workers and businesses. This approach provides the stability necessary for businesses to plan and invest in their workforce, ultimately contributing to a more robust and resilient economy.

We also urge policymakers to consider more effective policies to support low-income workers, such as increasing the personal tax credit or exemption.

The impacts of minimum wage increases on small businesses: Challenges for Small Businesses: According to CFIB’s recent survey of small businesses, 85 pe cent of business owners expressed concerns about the financial strain caused by sudden and substantial minimum wage hikes. Many fear this could

tax and what it does to Atlantic Canadians. Yet, these same MPs all voted repeatedly to create and protect the carbon tax that is now driving up the cost of everything.

Liberal Nova Scotia MP, Mike Kelloway, took out an advertisement in a newspaper saying his “priority is to work for carbon pricing exemption on home heating oil” only a few months after he voted against a Conservative motion that would’ve created a carbon tax exemption on heating oil. Thanks to his government, home heating prices increased by more than 60 per cent in Atlantic Canada. After eight years it is clear that these Liberals are not worth the cost.

“These MPs voted for these policies time and time again. Today, they had another opportunity to help Atlantic Canadians with the spiraling cost-of-living but have again decided to punish their constituents. But Conservatives are listening. Our common sense plan will axe Trudeau’s carbon tax and bring home lower prices for all Canadians.”

Conservative Party of Canada

lead to job cuts, reduced hours, or business closures.

Reduced Job Opportunities: CFIB’s research indicates that abrupt increases in minimum wage can discourage employers from hiring entry-level workers, disproportionately affecting young and vulnerable job seekers (31 per cent). The survey found that 25 per cent of businesses anticipate reducing hiring in response to minimum wage increases.

Inflationary Pressure: CFIB research has highlighted the potential inflationary impact of frequent and substantial minimum wage increases. This can erode the purchasing power of all workers, including those earning minimum wage, contributing to the overall cost of living. Recent data shows that 59 per cent of businesses have increased prices for products and services in reaction to minimum wage increases.

The CFIB believes that a more balanced approach is necessary to better support low-income workers while not placing the total burden on small businesses. We encourage Nova Scotia policymakers to engage in constructive dialogue with businesses and workers to develop a fairer and more predictable minimum wage system.

Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

78-year-old Derek Kruger remains missing

Continued from page 1

“The vehicle was found abandoned and this remains a missing person investigation,” Cpl. Marshall said in relation to the possibility of foul play. “[It’s] not a criminal investigation.”

In an update to the public on Oct. 8, it was noted that since Oct. 4, 13 Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams from Colchester, Pugwash, East Hants, Springhill, Halifax Regional, Musquodoboit Valley, West Hants, Eastern Shore, Sheet Harbour, Straight Area, Valley, Lunenburg and Pictou County have conducted an extensive search in the Greenfield, Colchester County area where his red Mazda Miata was located.

More than 2,000 volunteer hours were incurred and over 100-kilometres of dense woods, trails and roadways were searched, which included assistance from the RCMP Police Dog Services and the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, who aided by providing helicopter services searching by air over the four days.

The search efforts in the area were suspended on Saturday Oct. 7, but it was indicated they may be reactivated if new

leads or information is brought forward.

While the RCMP couldn’t answer questions about who made the missing person’s report, who the property owners where the vehicle was found were, or provide information related to a person’s mental or physical health due to the Privacy Act, all possible scenarios are being investigated.

“At this time, all possibilities with regard to Mr. Kruger’s whereabouts are being considered,” Cpl. Marshall said. “Including that he may have wandered into the woods, which is why a ground search has been initiated.”

When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those that know them. The RCMP are asking that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kruger is asked to contact Port Hawkesbury RCMP at 902-625-2220. Should you wish to remain anonymous call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

Derek Kruger is described as 5-foot-4, with brown hair, wearing glasses and a hearing aid.

Eileen Alma named Coady Institute Executive Director

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

ANTIGONISH: A familiar face with more than 30 years of experience in the development sector has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Coady International Institute.

Eileen Alma was appointed to the position on Sept. 26, for a five-year term, beginning immediately.

For the past 16 months, Alma has been serving as the interim Executive Director while a committee led by StFX University Academic Vice-President and Provost Amanda Cockshutt conducted the search process; representatives of the university’s Board of Governors, faculty, Coady staff members, and Coady partners served on the committee.

“I am confident Eileen will continue to use all her skills to provide the leadership Coady Institute needs,” Cockshutt said. “In bringing change leaders from Nova Scotia, Canada and internationally together to learn and share about community-led development.”

Previously, Alma served as the Director of Coady’s International Centre for Women’s Leadership for nine years, where she oversaw programming on women’s leadership and gender equality both nationally and internationally.

She also guided the expansion of Coady’s programming

for Indigenous women leaders and communities, leading to the growth of the team and development of the Circle of Abundance. Prior to joining the Coady Institute, Alma worked for 20-years for the International Development

Research Centre, a Canadian Crown Corporation based in Canada with offices around the world.

She has successfully developed and managed major partnerships with a range of organizations in Canada and on a global-scale and had overseen the Institute’s work on several significant key projects funded by Global Affairs Canada, other federal government departments, and a range of foundations and private funders.

Alma holds a master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Management (ethno-political) from Royal Roads University, and a master’s certificate in Project Management from Royal Roads University. She is currently the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Cooperation Canada, a national organization supporting a network more than 100 civil society organizations across Canada working in the international development and humanitarian sectors.

Locally, she is Board Chair for the Friends of the Antigonish Library (FoAL).

Alma learned of the appointment while working alongside partners in the Rural Women Cultivating Change project conducting a workshop at Seedsavers Network in Gilgil, Kenya. Coady Institute is a learning partner to the $14.8 million project which is overseen by SeedChange, which is located in Ottawa, Ont.

“I am honoured to be leading an organization with nearly 100 years of history in support of communities and leaders locally and globally,” Alma said. “Together our

Kruger’s red 1997 Mazda Miata was found abandoned on Oct. 4, on a logging road in Greenfield, Colchester County.

Photos contributed.

Eileen Alma

Poor landlines now ‘health and safety’ issue for Whitehead

by Alec Bruce Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Guysborough Journal

WHITEHEAD: In the age of fibre optics, landline phone service to some communities southwest of Canso has become so unreliable that at least one resident says she worries about venturing on her property for fear of being disconnected to the outside world.

“I have a horse, but I don’t go riding anymore. If something happens to me in the yard, I can’t connect,” Moni Duersch, a visual artist who lives in Whitehead, said. “I have no other way of reaching anyone because the cell service here is ridiculous... So, if I fall off my horse, and I’m somewhere in the middle of nowhere, I’m dead. It’s very disconcerting.”

Fellow resident Sandra Reeves-Winter, who’s also a member of the Three Top Volunteer Fire Department on Whitehead Road, concurred.

What’s more, she said, the problem with landlines in the area has been getting worse.

“Unfortunately, the issue has become more common. Over the past year, my landline has gone out a few times, more than a couple. And, when it goes out, it’s out for four or five days. It doesn’t come back quickly,” Reeves-Winter reported, speaking to The Journal on Sept. 20 from her cell, which, she said, only works with a booster, and is also terrible. “My neighbour’s is still really bad. She can’t even hear... It’s a safety threat. You’re kind

of always waiting for the unexpected, which is not a great place to be. And, if people don’t have [landline] access to 911, it can be a serious problem.”

The most recent outage, she said, occurred just before Hurricane Leo swept through Nova Scotia as a post-tropical storm.

“A week before that, we didn’t have landline service [at my home] for five days and four nights,” Reeves-Winter said. “There was really no reason other than it rained.”

From her temporarily working landline, Duersch added that before the hurricane, it was out, and for no good reason – for three or four days – and then, right after that, they had power, but, again, no phone.

“This is important to me,” she said. “I have all kinds of health issues. I need to be able to reach a doctor in case something happens.”

Although official estimates peg the population of Whitehead at 50 to 120, at any given time, Reeves-Winter insisted the area is home to “enough people that this should be considered [important], particularly [when] so many elderly people have landlines.”

Nevertheless, she said, appeals to Bell Aliant have typically fallen on deaf ears.

“Bell has quite the history of call-ins from the Whitehead area. The infrastructure is so old, and they certainly don’t want to invest any money in it. So, they put band aids on from time to time,” Reeves-Winter said. “When you do call them [on a cell], when there are no landlines – as we have and the neighbours

have several times – it goes directly to an answering machine or a call [centre] … And, obviously, they have no idea. They’ll say, ‘Oh, we’re going to send a technician.’ And, you know that’s not [going to] happen... All of this just builds frustration and anxiety for people who depend on this [service].”

According to Bell Aliant’ s 2022 Annual Report, the company expanded its pure fibre network to an 854,000 homes and businesses in Canada last year.

“We will continue expanding our fibre footprint to less-densely populated areas and communities, with a target of expanding 650,000 additional fibre connections by the end of 2023.”

In Nova Scotia, it reported, it’s working with “the Internet for Nova Scotia program [through the provincial government’s Build Nova Scotia]... to reach rural and smaller communities that can’t be funded by private investment alone.”

In an email to The Journal, Bell Aliant spokesperson Katie Hatfield said the most recent telephone service issue in Whitehead was due to equipment damage, which has since been repaired.

“Thanks to Bell’s partnership with Build Nova Scotia to expand its fibre network to 80,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses across the province, [the Whitehead] area will be upgraded with fibre technology,” she noted, long-term. “We are targeting to have the work completed [there] before the end of the year.”

All of which may or may not be music to residential ears in Whitehead.

“My landline is still very staticky. It’s really difficult to have a conversation on it,” Reeves-Winter said. “Really, this should be an essential service to anybody who actually has a phone.”

Province seeks input on Children and Family Services Act

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

HALIFAX: Nova Scotians are invited to share their thoughts and ideas on the Children and Family Services Act.

“The Children and Family Services Act is designed to strengthen the well-being of Nova Scotian families and communities and protect children from harm,” Community Services Minister Trevor Boudreau said. “We want to hear from youth, families and communities about changes that could improve programs and services, and I encourage you to participate.”

The Department of Community Services will hold

sessions across the province starting this month to give government representatives an opportunity to listen, learn and receive feedback from members of the public.

President of the Association of Black Social Workers, Rachelle Sweeting, indicated over the past few years, the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) has partnered with the Department of Community Services to support training and the implementation of their anti-Black racism strategy.

“Involving the communities of African Nova Scotians and people of African descent in the review of the Children and Family Services Act is the Department’s commitment to providing culturally responsive services to people of African ancestry,”

Sweeting said. “ABSW encourages community members to attend the community consultations to provide the necessary feedback, to not only amend the current act, but to ensure culturally responsive services are designed to address the cultural needs of their community.”

People can also respond to an online survey at https://novascotia.ca/children-and-familyservices-act-engagement/, submit their input via email at CFSA@novascotia.ca , or mail it to:

CFSA Engagement, Department of Community Services,1894 Barrington St., 5th floor, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2A8.

The engagement sessions start October 25 in Yarmouth and continue across the province through

100 Women Who Care

November. Besides a Nov. 2 session in Room B101B in Syndey at the NSCC Maconi Campus at 1240 Grand Lake Road, another session will take place in Truro on Nov. 23 in McCarthy Hall, Room MC111 at the NSCC Truro Campus, at 36 Arthur Street. Both sessions run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Following the engagement period, the province will share the findings with the public in a What We Heard report; the engagement sessions are to help inform the review, which must be complete – and the final report made public – by March 1, 2025.

The Children and Family Services Act protects one of Nova Scotia’s most vulnerable populations – children who are living in situations of abuse or neglect.

Photo contributed.

100 Women Who Care Rural Cape Breton were able to provide the successful charity, Mill Road Social Enterprises a total of $13,200 for their project which will be used toward food security in their Mill Road Grows Community Garden and Mobile Meals. Funds will help enhance the accessibility of the garden and will allow them to expand the meal recipients.

by Corey LeBlanc

Alliyah Rowe blazing her trail

SYDNEY: Alliyah Rowe loves the Cabot Trail – it is one of her favourite things about Cape Breton.

So, it is only fitting that the fourth-year striker is blazing a magical one of her own as a fourthyear striker with the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women’s soccer program.

“Ali has been having her strongest season to date,” veteran CBU head coach Stephen ‘Ness’ Timmons said. “She has been showing terrific leadership – both on and off the field.”

That’s quite an assessment, considering the native of Kitchener, Ont., is coming off a junior campaign in which she garnered the 2022 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Most Valuable Player Award. The first-team All-Canadian last season finished with 12 goals – tops in the conference and fourth most in USPORTS – while tallying an AUSbest 16 points and three game-winning goals.

In only six matches this season, the dynamic forward has a conference-topping 11 goals, which places her second in the country. Her standout start has helped the Capers to a 5-1-0 record midway through the 2023 season.

Rowe now has 13 goals in eight matches, tying her with StFX striker Amanda Smith for the league lead in that category.

Most recently, Rowe – in a pair of weekend road wins over the Acadia Axewomen (3-0) and Saint Mary’s Huskies (4-0) – tallied six times, including all four versus CBU’s rival from Halifax. That offensive explosion garnered the Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) Sport and Physical Activity Leadership (SPAL) student athlete-of-theweek nods in both the AUS and USPORTS.

“I don’t think so – maybe once,” Rowe said, with a laugh, when asked if she had scored four goals in any other match.

She noted that her teammates joked that is was appropriate to have two goals in each half in the Sept. 24 victory over the Huskies, considering the memorable performance came on her 22nd birthday.

“It was awesome,” Rowe said, and, most importantly for her, the Capers won the game. “That’s all that matters.”

With the recent hot streak, Rowe has 42 goals in AUS regular season action, which places her fi h all-time in the conference. Since 1994, when the conference started compiling individual goal scoring, topping the all-time list is former Caper

– and CBU Sports Hall of Fame member – Dr. Karolyn Blain. She also boasts the most goals in one season (16), a mark that Rowe is in striking distance of tying or breaking.

“She is always the focal point of the opposition, which makes her scoring prowess even more impressive,” Timmons offered.

Not a bad resume – one that remains unfinished – for a self-described “late starter,” who only took the pitch for the first time in the U8 classification.

“It didn’t last too long,” Rowe remembered, with a laugh, of her time in the dance studio.

A er only a “couple of days” of ballet classes, she knew becoming a prima ballerina wasn’t in her future.

“I hated it,” she said.

A er that didn’t work out, her mother, Tammy, suggested she try soccer.

“I instantly fell in love,” the younger Rowe said.

In her second season, she made the rep team and never looked back.

“It was just amazing,” Rowe said of the “atmosphere,” when asked about what she enjoyed about the sport.

Not to mention the friendships she developed.

“I loved every minute of it,” she added.

As for when she realized that she possibly could play at a high level, Rowe remembered her second rep season, one in which she was a key contributor to a strong team.

“I started to think, ‘Hey, I am pretty good; maybe I can do something with this,’” she said.

Rowe did just that, continuing to develop her skills with club programs, such as the Kitchener Spirit and Woolwich Wolfpack, along with the Paris Football Club.

By the time she had to select where she would pursue her university varsity career, she received a “few different offers,” including from Timmons and the Capers.

Rowe remembered her decision was cemented during the traditional recruiting visit.

“Honestly, I knew right away that it was the place for me,” she said, while reflecting on her first time in Cape Breton and on the CBU campus.

She described the “amazing atmosphere” when she watched the Capers in action.

“It was so unreal, so awesome,” Rowe said of a type of game day experience she had never witnessed.

And, of course, she remembered how CBU’s coaches and players welcomed her with open arms.

“They made me feel like part of the family,” Rowe added.

A few months later, she took the pitch for the first time donning Caper orange.

“I was honoured to be playing at such a high level, and with such great players,” Rowe said.

When it comes to the strengths of her game, Rowe started with the word “vision,” noting her ability “to see who is open.”

“I love when I am able to sneak passes through,” she offered.

Noting that she is “dangerous anywhere in the final third,” Timmons said, “Ali is an excellent playmaker, as well as a finisher.”

Rowe also said she has the “ability to be a couple of steps ahead,” when it comes to thinking about the game.

Timmons agreed.

“Ali has a very high soccer IQ,” he explained. “She is always aware of her surroundings and has the tactical awareness to make that next play.”

And, like most great players in any sport, Rowe is never satisfied; she is always honing her skills.

“That’s something I definitely continue to work on,” she said of being “equally as good” shooting with her right or le foot.

And, when it comes to that shot, Rowe continuously tinkers with curve and placement as part of “where I want [the ball] to go.”

Noting that there is “always room for improvement,” she said, “I keep working every day.”

And, Rowe added, “I play every game like it is my last.”

A er what she described as a “little rocky” start this season, the veteran Caper said everyone is “getting more familiar with each other,” which is showing in improved play.

Rowe added, “We have been getting better and better.”

She reflected on what she saw as one of the keys to success.

“We trust each other so much,” Rowe offered, noting how that element is crucial for any team.

She said that the Capers are focussed on playing their best soccer when they host the conference championship tournament in late October.

“It is going to be great,” Rowe said of defending their 2022 AUS title at Ness Timmons Field.

When it comes to the benefit of having “home field advantage,” including second-to-none fan support, she added, “It is like there is a 12th player on the field with us.”

Alliya Rowe

As for career plans a er her playing days are over, Rowe said, “I really haven’t made any big decisions.”

She added, noting options such as coaching and physiotherapy, “I will probably want to stay involved in sports.”

Wherever she goes – or whatever she does – Rowe will take her Caper student-athlete experience with her.

“I have met so many different and wonderful people – from all over the world,” Rowe said. “I will never forget my time at CBU and in Cape Breton.”

The Capers will play their final home matches of the regular season on Friday, Oct. 13, when they welcome the Memorial SeaHawks to Ness Timmons Field. The women take the pitch at 5 p.m. ADT, with the men scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ADT.

On Sunday, Oct. 15, CBU will head to Sackville, N.B., to face the Mount Allison Mounties at 1 p.m. ADT (women) and 3:15 p.m. ADT (men). These matches were scheduled for earlier in the season, but they were postponed due to weather.

Week No. 5 - Oct. 5, 2023

Final Whistle Wisdom

First, my apologies.

by Charlie Teljeur

This column was supposed to be a preview of the new NHL season, but some things just take precedence and I’m hoping that not much happens in the first week of the NHL to make next week’s predictions seem “conveniently brilliant.”

We have to talk about the Blue Jays, which deserves a second apology since it seems I’m ALWAYS talking about Toronto. Sorry. But about the Blue Jays…

HONEY - 18

(5) LUCKY STRIKES - 18

(2) RENEGADES - 18

(12) BOWLING PRIVATEERS - 12 (11) DC27 - 10

Let’s see, they back into the playoffs with a two-game losing streak against the Tampa Bay Rays and then continue that streak, in grand fashion, losing twice in the playoffs to the Minnesota Twins while being outscored five to one.

To top it all off, after all of this, it’s pretty much “steady as she goes” at the Rogers HQ aka “The Mothership” during the postseason post mortem. Not apologies, no contrition, not even a hint of anger or disgust.

Apologists will argue that the team finished 16 games over .500 with the ninth best record in baseball and that the pitching staff had – rightfully –an outstanding year but does the absence of winning not factor into this at all? Sure, not everybody wins but it should at least look like you showed up to compete.

The GM’s final press conference goes pretty much as expected, with

a lot of hand wringing and blank stares.

It’s almost as if they’re trying to convince us that they took it personally, as if someone from within was about to yell out “I’m hurting too you know!”

Except they’re not.

No jobs are being lost and there is ostensibly no price to pay for this failure. Just a hiccup is all.

“Wait till next year” is the ringing lament.

And that cuts right to the heart of what is wrong here, at its very core.

Rogers - owners of the Blue Jaysaren’t really too heartbroken over what happened because winning isn’t part of the Toronto formula.

Two of the city’s biggest franchises (the Leafs are the other, in case that wasn’t already obvious), for decades, have been selling “Wait till next year,” as their patented and timeless sales pitch.

These teams, as of recently, at least, have never been awful but they’ve also never been great.

Financial success in Toronto does not, in any way, need to align with on-field success. It doesn’t have to. Fans will support the team regardless of how the season ends. They will rant and rave for a while but will be right there at the start of the following season under the delusional assumption that yes, this

may finally be the year they win it all.

You can argue that ALL teams are in this same predicament and, while the premise has merit, few teams rely so heavily on robotic obedient fan loyalty as do the Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs. For, if there’s no price to pay for failure (however you choose to define it), then you really don’t need to worry about how you finish a season.

Just make sure the fans don’t lose all hope. There’s a fine line between loyal and gullible and, in Toronto, that was crossed a long time ago.

Losing changes nothing in the city of Toronto. It’s like a co-dependency. Fans will defend their record and the reality that only one team can win but again, what happens when they don’t win, or when they plummet into a patented playoff death spiral that embarrasses even the most ardent of fans?

Nothing.

There is hurt, and there is anger and there is embarrassment, but nowhere will you find enough fans so fed up with the whole sordid soap opera that they stay away from the team in droves and refuse to spend any more time and money until they see actual signs of life.

Nobody is giving up membership in this sorry fraternity and, for team management, that’s proof enough the plan is still working.

Fire extinguisher safety

A fire extinguisher is a vital safety device that can help suppress small fires before they escalate into dangerous blazes. This Fire Prevention Week, which takes place from October 8 to 14, 2023, brush up on your fire preparedness knowledge with this brief guide to fire extinguishers.

Firstly, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of fire extinguishers and their suitable applications:

• Class A fire extinguishers are suitable for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper

October 8 to 14, 2023

Is your evacuation plan up to date?

Creating an evacuation plan is essential for responding quickly and appropriately when a fire breaks out. Have you made one? If so, take a few moments to consult this checklist. If you haven’t, it’s high time you did!

• Emergency exits. Identifying all emergency exits — doors or windows that lead directly outside — is an essential part of every evacuation plan.

• Fire extinguishers and alarms. Ensure your plan includes the location of fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Escape routes. Establish two different escape routes for each room so you can reach an emergency exit as quickly as possible.

• Muster point. Determine a place where everyone should meet after leaving the building. Remember that it must be easily accessible in every season.

Once the plan has been finalized, make sure everyone in your household is familiar with it. Carry out at least two fire drills every year to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

Is your fire protection equipment, such as smoke detectors and extinguishers, up to date and in good condition? If in doubt, buy quality products from your local shops.

Keep items like dishtowels, bags and curtains at least three feet away from your kitchen stove.

is tip brought to you by: PORT HOOD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Have chimneys, replaces, wood or coal stoves, and central furnaces inspected once a year.

is tip brought to you by: JUDIQUE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Look around your home for places res could start. Identify and eliminate potential re hazards. is tip brought to you by: ST PETER’S VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

• Class B extinguishers are suitable for flammable liquids and gases

• Class C extinguishers are intended for use on fires involving appliances, motors and tools

• Class D extinguishers are designed for use on combustible metals

• Class K extinguishers are suitable for kitchen fires

You can also find multipurpose fire extinguishers that are suitable for more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C.

Fire extinguishers must be kept in prominent, easily accessible locations like mounted to a wall. Ideally, you should have a portable fire extinguisher on every floor of your home, especially near potential fire hazards like kitchens, garages and workshops.

The PASS technique

In the event of a fire, remember the PASS acronym:

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher upright and pull the pin to break the tamper seal.

• Aim low. Point the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.

• Squeeze the lever. Firmly squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguishing agent.

• Sweep side to side. Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side, covering the base of the fire until it’s completely extinguished.

By understanding how to properly use and store a fire extinguisher, you can enhance fire safety in your home.

Blown fuses should not be replaced with coins, wires or any metal is tip brought to you by: ISLE MADAME VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

is tip brought to you by: BLUES MILLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter. is tip brought to you by: WHYCOCOMAGH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

4 smart ways to avoid res

Did you know that almost half of all residential fires are caused by human negligence or distraction? Adopt these four life-saving habits to prevent a fire from starting in your kitchen or another room in your home.

1. Never leave heating appliances unattended. Are you ironing or cooking food on the stovetop? A fire can break out even if you leave the room for only a few seconds. Avoid the worst by never leaving these types of appliances unattended.

2. Don’t store combustible objects or materials in or on your range. Keep flammable items like paper, plastic utensils, dishcloths and cereal boxes away from your stove’s hea-

ting elements. Remember that you could accidentally light the wrong ring or preheat your oven when there are flammable materials inside.

3. Be mindful of electrical cords. Whenever possible, avoid using extension cords for auxiliary heating appliances. Look for appliances with CSA or ULC approval and don’t use them if they’re damaged.

4. Have your chimney or flue professionally serviced. If you use a traditional wood-burning stove or pellet-burning fireplace, leave the chimney sweeping or flue cleaning to the experts. Ideally, this should be done in the fall before the snow falls.

What to do if there’s a fire in your kitchen

to do if a fire breaks out while you’re cooking. If the fire is contained and it isn’t spreading quickly, you can extinguish it. The first step is to eliminate the heat source. If it’s possible to do

Next,

If

in a pan, smother it with a lid or baking sheet. To do this safely, hold the cover in front of you like a shield and cover the pot from front to back. Don’t throw the lid on the fire, as you risk spreading the flames around.

If you don’t have a cover, baking soda can be used to smother the flames. However, you’ll likely need more than the small box you keep in your fridge. You can also use a fire

extinguisher, as long as it’s rated B, which designates that it’s safe to use on grease fires. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is burning too hotly to be smothered or it begins to spread fast, evacuate the

Keep xed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything

Talk with all family members about a re escape plan and practice the plan twice a

is tip brought to you by:

Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep. is tip brought to you by:

Celtic Colours

Photos by Mary Hankey.

Heather Rankin opened The Universal Language concert with the song All the Miles, co-written by Malcolm Jones and Bruce Guthro. Celtic Colours International Festival kicked off with the opening concert in Port Hawkesbury.

The Stoney Bear Singers were a hit at the Celtic Colours opening concert in Port Hawkesbury. They consider themselves fortunate to speak their Mi’kmaq language fluently, and their songs were sung in Mi’kmaw.

Each member of Blazin’ Fiddles draws upon the distinct musical flavours from their rich traditional heritages, and they collectively packed all the power, passion and sensitivity of Scotland’s music into their performance at Celtic Colours opening concert in Port Hawkesbury.

Diane Cannon from Donegal, Ireland and Màiri MacMillan from South Uist, Scotland captivated the audience with their beautiful Gaelic songs at The Universal Language concert, part of Celtic Colours

Jordan Price Williams on cello, and Aneirin Jones and Patrick Rimes on violin, form the dynamic group Vrï. Performing at Celtic Colours’ opening concert, their songs draw inspiration from a time when Wales’ traditional music and dance was suppressed by Methodist chapels.

Their mutual love and respect for each other’s roots and traditions led to the forming of this new duo, Manx Gaelic singer Ruth Keggin and Scottish harpist Rachel Hair. In addition to performing at the opening concert, they will be onstage for two other Celtic Colours events.

All of the artists were back onstage for a rousing finale at Celtic Colours’ The Universal Language concert. The festival features 49 concerts and over 200 cultural experiences across Cape Breton.

ENTERTAINMENT

Centre Stage

Column by Stephen Cooke

One of the pleasures of the summer was having the good fortune to be in the Annapolis Valley when Garnet Rogers made one of his periodic swings through the province with a handful of shows and staying with family a mere 15 minutes away from the lovely Evergreen Theatre in Margaretsville where he was scheduled to perform.

I’m hard-pressed to remember the first time I saw Rogers perform, it might have been in the ’90s at Montreal’s famed Yellow Door Coffeehouse, where he shared a bill with stellar Saskatchewan songwriter Connie Kaldor. But I’ve seen him countless times since then, enjoying his mellifluous voice, deeply poetic songwriting and de acoustic and electric guitar playing.

Every show has been a marvel, and he’s paying another visit to the region this week, to play a couple of shows and close up his summer home for the winter in Canso, the hometown of his extended family and the inspiration for so many of his songs, as well as the songs of his late brother, Canadian folk icon Stan Rogers.

Before he turns around and heads home to his farm in Southern Ontario, Rogers is stopping by the Merigomish Schoolhouse Community Centre for a show on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. If you’ve never been to a show at the schoolhouse — they also have a well-curated farmers market on Sundays from mid-April through December — the 1870-era hall has been renovated, and fitted out for live performance by master Nova Scotia concert tech Dave Hillier, so any event you attend is going to be one of the best-sounding shows you’re likely to hear anywhere in the province.

A er decades of tearing up the highways from show to show, Rogers says saying goodbye to the road for good is becoming an ever-increasing possibility. As any musician will tell you, the mileage can grind you down (as well as the singer’s trusty Volvo), but a er performing since

the 1970s, he still finds a sweet spot onstage when the songs are following each other in a natural rhythm, and the rapport with the crowd lets him follow his muse where it takes him.

“I love those moments when you’re onstage, and you completely forget about the audience and yourself. To not be conscious of what you’re doing, you just lock into something,” Rogers said over the phone, fresh from doing the morning chores for the horses he and his wife Gail tend to on their farm. “The best nights are where I come offstage, and I have no idea what I did. I just got into a flow. But it takes more work to get to that point now; it’s a weird thing, but I still like getting out and seeing people and playing.”

At his shows, Rogers is very approachable, usually with a suitcase full of his many CDs and copies of his books Night Drive — full of tales of life on the road with his brother Stan — and his first novel, the darkly satirical political thriller 6 Crows Gold.

He’ll even take requests before he gets on stage; in Margaretsville, besides his own impressive catalogue, his set included an electric instrumental version of the English hymn Jerusalem and a Richard Thompson cover.

Rogers usually shares stories of his time in Canso as well, like the mystery of the porch that magically appeared attached to his house one day, and the colourful family members who still call it home.

“We’ve had this house in Canso for 12 or 13 years now, and Gail’s never even seen it. It’s a really weird situation,” Rogers said, who hopes to spend more time in Nova Scotia as his commitments at home and on the road ease up in future. “The two of us can’t get away for more than a couple of hours together…The farm takes most of our attention, and we keep trying to wind the horse operation down, but it keeps dragging us back in. With animals, you can’t just leave a note on the fridge.”

For those looking for new material from

Miles MacDonald Performance Centre to host Terry Kelly

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

GUYSBOROUGH: Singer, songwriter, and entertainer Terry Kelly will be bringing his magical voice to the Miles MacDonald Performance Centre on Sunday Oct. 22, for a 2 p.m. concert.

Kelly’s artistic achievements are many and varied; in addition to award nominations from the Juno Awards and the Canadian Country Music Association, Kelly has won seven East Coast Music Awards.

In 1993, Kelly set an East Coast Music Awards record when he won every award that he was nominated for, including Album of the Year (Divided Highway), SOCAN Song of the Year (In My Father’s House), Male Vocalist of the Year, Country Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

In addition to his seven, solo, full-length recordings, in 2003, the Newfoundland native was inducted into the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour within the Canadian system of honours.

At the age of one, Kelly was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancerous condition that le him blind and as a child, he had both of his eyes removed.

His recording career began in high school when he released five albums with instrumental band The Stringbusters.

More than just a musician, at the 1979 and 1980 Canadian Track Championships, Kelly won silver medals. He became the third blind person in the world to run a sub five-minute mile. He also competed in the 1980 Paralympics in Arnhem, Netherlands.

Looking at his musical catalogue, Kelly has written a song to celebrate the Canadian Navy, a song honouring veterans and their families, songs about abilities and literacy, songs to raise

Rogers, his latest release is the 2019 live recording The Best Times A er All, documenting his last tour with longtime friend, Scottish folk singer Archie Fisher, who has for the most part retired from performing.

A er putting out 15 albums on his own Snow Goose Songs label, dating back to his 1984 selftitled solo album, Rogers says the dwindling prospects of recouping your investment on a well-produced album means a new album is a dicey proposition, but he’s not counting out at least one more release if the next batch of songs is up to his high standards.

“I don’t know if (The Best Times A er All) is going to be the last thing I do. I’m not writing a lot of songs these days because I’m working on a sequel to my novel, and I’m finding that difficult because it’s gotten very dark,” Rogers said. “I would dearly love to get back into the studio with Scott Merritt again, because that’s one of the great joys of my life, working with him. I’m just trying to find some way to do that, even though it’s become a mug’s game putting anything out there for sale anymore.”

Most of Rogers’ discography remains in print and can also be found on his website

garnetrogers.com and for download on Bandcamp. For tickets to his Oct. 14 show at the Merigomish Schoolhouse Community Centre, visit the deCoste Centre website for tickets, as the show is part of the Pictou venue’s On the Road series while it undergoes renovations.

Don’t forget that there are still four days le of Celtic Colours International Festival, running until Saturday, Oct. 14, with dozens of shows and community events to explore and experience. Close to the Strait Area, Wednesday night sees singers from Cape Breton and overseas converge on Glendale’s St. Mary of the Angels Community Hall for Gaidhlig anns a’Ghleann: Gaelic in the Glen, while Villages, Jordan Musycsyn and Mama’s Broke hold a Concert by the Canal at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall.

Also on Wednesday night, the St. Peter’s Lions Marina hosts the last of its Late Night Jams with Kitchen Rackets, starting at 10:30 p.m., and up in Judique, the Celtic Colours Guitar Summit fires up the strings on Thursday, Oct. 12 with J.P. Cormier, Ray Legere, Bela Fleck and Anna Massie.

For full details, visit www.celtic-colours.com.

awareness about cancer and poverty and many songs about home and family.

His passion for social responsibility and his true caring nature are reflected in his song writing and in his incredibly moving singing voice. In 2016, Kelly was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.

The Miles MacDonald Performance Centre is proud to bring Kelly back to Guysborough to share this special time of year.

Tickets are $30 and are on sale at the box office of the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex, or by calling 902-533-2015. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/ milesmacdonaldperformancecentre.

Photo by Bruce Dienes.

Garnet Rogers will perform a lone Nova Scotia show at the Merigomish Schoolhouse Community Centre on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Photo contributed. Blind singer-songwriter Terry Kelly will visit the Miles MacDonald Performance Centre in Guysborough on Oct. 22.

Public consultations on o shore wind to launch in Guysborough

by Alec Bruce Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Guysborough Journal

GUYSBOROUGH: With the first round of government information sessions scheduled to begin in Guysborough this week (Oct. 4), mapping the complex future of offshore wind development in Nova Scotia formally gets underway. Key to the entire process, say officials, is public participation.

“We want to make sure that we gather all the information first, well in advance of any project planning,” Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Senior Policy Advisor Carys Burgess told The Journal last week, adding that all stakeholders –Indigenous Peoples, environmentalists, fishers, academics, industry groups, and average citizens – are welcome.

According to its project description, the

“Regional Assessments on Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia” – established in March as a joint federal-provincial initiative –is specifically designed to obtain insights about environmental, health, social and economic conditions in areas that may be affected by offshore wind. It’s also responsible for “identifying and recommending mitigation and follow-up measures and other approaches for addressing potential positive and adverse effects [of] offshore wind development activities.”

To fulfill its mandate, the five-member committee tasked with managing the process is a deliberately diverse group that includes Acadia University biologist and river expert Graham Daborn; Eskasoni First Nation manager Steve Parsons; Glooscap First Nation Elder Lorraine Whitman; professional environmental assessor Ann G. Wilkie; and offshore marine expert James Wooder. Said Burgess: “This [approach] is a bit new. There’s a little bit more planning and a lot

more engagement.”

Proposed hydrogen projects for the Strait area are pursuing land-based windfarms in advance of offshore wind projects for their energy needs. While supported by both provincial and federal governments, the land-based proposals have already garnered some opposition from residents who say they’ve had no input, let alone control over what may happen in or around their backyards.

Last month, The Journal reported on concerns that Lesley Hartt and Marsha Plant of St. Francis Harbour raised at Municipality of the District of Guysborough council about EverWind Fuels’ windfarm ambitions in the municipality. Citing its environmental footprint, Plant said: “I don’t think it’s a good project for Guysborough County... and I don’t think there should be any area of this county that should be used as a sacrificial zone for any part of this project.”

Noted Burgess of the offshore wind

consultations: “The regional assessment committee is going to be at the open houses [in Guysborough] and they’re going to be there to talk to anyone who comes to provide them with information on the regional assessment, and to gather information from people regarding any concerns they have. In Nova Scotia, right now, we don’t even have a licensing process in place. So this process is actually going to inform that. This is where it all starts.”

The sessions are scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Additional ones are slated for Sheet Harbour (1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., Sheet Harbour Public Library, 22756 Highway 7), on Thursday, Oct. 5. Times and locations of further sessions in Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Inverness, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, HRM and Wolfville are expected to be posted to the Impact Assessment Agency’s website over the next several days.

Black Scholars initiative: StFX students charting new opportunities in undergraduate research

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

ANTIGONISH: Five StFX students concentrated on dedicated research projects this summer were supported in part by a new federal initiative to help encourage more Black Canadian scholars in undergraduate research.

StFX students Isaac Ombotimbe, Olajesu Abioye and Gabriel Cozzi each received an NSERC USRA grant; Devaughn Blackwood was the recipient of a SSHRC USRA award; and Gatluak James received a CIHR USRA award.

Each award is valued at $8,000 for 14-weeks of student research employment under the supervision of a StFX faculty member.

“These new undergraduate research awards for Black Canadian students supported by the federal government are making a significant contribution to our efforts to expand and diversify student research opportunities at StFX,” the university’s Associate Vice President of Research, Graduate and Professional Studies Richard Isnor said. “Contributions from the Jeannine Deveau Educational Equity Endowment also helped increase the value of the awards and support these exceptional students and their research.”

StFX human nutrition professor Marcia English, who benefitted from this initiative by having student-conducted research in her lab, indicates the funding support from the federal government has the potential to make a real difference.

A er just one year of the program, she has already had other students approach her about becoming involved.

“It really encourages that interest in research and it will promote more students to become involved,” English said. “It really opens up a path to seeing where your degree can take you, and it creates so many new opportunities for these students who never imagined they could have a role in science.”

She explains they currently face a challenge in recruiting students from minority groups and getting them involved in research, as a lot of students are interested, but they’re hesitant and may feel it’s out of reach in terms of financial burdens or knowing what’s involved.

Additionally, StFX faces a geographic challenge, as it is located in a rural area with a not very diverse community.

“This will help create diversity,” English said. “This support provides funding that helps with that challenge of being in a rural community. It provides a security for the students that lets them actually engage in the research.”

Abioye, a third-year human nutrition student from Saint John, N.B., conducted research in English’s lab on alkaline protein extraction.

“It was a great opportunity to dip my toes into the field of food science research which can help me make an informed decision about going into research,” she said. “It has benefitted me by giving me an insight into how research changes and drives food production, availability and variability.”

Abioye, who also worked alongside other student researchers, suggested a highlight for her was learning about each other’s work, as well as connecting the research to material she learned

previously in class.

Ombotimbe of Ottawa, Ont., a fi h-year advanced major in computer science student, conducted research alongside Kyran Cupido and Jean-Alexis Delamer around manipulating traffic data, using statistical methods and machine learning models with the use of coding to create models which would optimize emergency vehicle locations throughout the cities of Halifax and Toronto at a given time.

Open-source datasets containing all roadways in the cities were used in conjunction with datasets which contained all reported collisions within those municipalities to train these machine learning models, thus improving the efficiency of response time to emergency calls.

Ombotimbe advises the experience helped him in many ways.

“Conducting a research project, in my eyes, has helped me sharpen certain work skills that will be critical in my post-undergrad career. Some of the skills include problem-solving, searching for information on a certain topic, [and] timemanagement,” he said. “This opportunity has also given me great experience in the field of data analysis in ways in which I will benefit in the future. Overall, working alongside these two professors will be a great addition to my resume.”

The opportunity, he suggested, also represents a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal access to opportunities in research.

“It highlights the importance of representation and aims to address historical disparities and biases that have limited the participation of Black Canadians in research. By providing funding and support, it offers a chance for individuals to pursue their academic and research goals, contribute their unique perspectives to various fields, and ultimately contribute to a more diverse and enriched academic and research community,” Ombotimbe said. “The thing that stood out the most to me about this experience is the fact that this funding was gathered and intended to open doors for the Black community in Canada. I believe that this was a great initiative on the part of the federal government and NSERC as this was an impactful opportunity.”

He explains the federal government’s initiative to fund Black scholars and students in research holds immense significance.

“By addressing historical barriers and biases, this initiative empowers Black Canadians to engage in meaningful research, pursue higher education, and contribute their unique perspectives to various fields. This financial support breaks the cycle of socio-economic disadvantage, allowing innovation and enhancing the quality of research outcomes,” Ombotimbe said. “To add to this, involving Black scholars in research inspires future generations, and ultimately leads to a more representative and impactful academic landscape. Overall, the initiative creates opportunities, representation, and a pathway for positive change in research and academia.”

Devaughn Blackwood of Ottawa, Ont., a fourthyear advanced accounting major, conducted research under the supervision of Jonathan Hood on fan attendance and its drivers.

“I learned a lot about the psychology of a spectator and how marketers can gear towards these needs,” he said. “I was ultimately taking a deeper dive with hopes of eventually using this knowledge on StFX campus.”

Blackwood advised the opportunity meant a lot to him as he’s never had access to a program like this before.

“This allowed me to learn brand new life skills in research with a great supervisor, who taught me many things,” he said. “It also was a great opportunity to gain more knowledge into a topic I was passionate about. It is an experience I will remember and something that most people will never experience.”

Blackwood suggested the experience will greatly benefit him in his studies and in life, as in addition to learning new research skills he learned how to dissect articles and produce professional quality work.

“With these skills I will be much further ahead then before and help with my transition into fourth year as well as the work force a er that. The other thing that I would like to highlight is that this grant was given to a close friend of mine as well,” he said. “Doing the research with another student in a very similar situation greatly helped to stay on track and become more productive. It felt much less lonely and more like an actual job simulation. I would also like to highlight Dr. Hood’s understanding as it was a new experience for me, but he took it slowly and taught me a great deal of tools throughout the summer.”

Blackwood says the Black Scholars federal funding is an excellent initiative, as o entimes Canadian students, but more specifically Black Canadian students, have little to no access to funding for research purposes.

“Through my experience of research this summer, it is something that I believe more students should involve themselves with. So, with the new incentive in funding, more students can have access to this and begin their research. This is important as many Black Canadian students will never learn the proper tools for professional work, but with this incentive they can,” he said. “This will not only lead to short-term learning, but the longterm growth of the student as well. It allows them to be a part of something and boost their academic careers.”

Cozzi, a third-year engineering student from Antigonish, worked this summer with Brittany MacDonald-MacAulay, investigating the implementation of tire berms (a berm is like a dam on the side of a river so it doesn’t overflow) in the Antigonish area.

There were many changes in the project over the course of the summer and Cozzi, who is working toward becoming a mechanical engineer, ended up focusing on optimal fillers for these tire berms. As part of his research work, he conduced a literature review looking at other berms, and when the scope of the project changed, he focused on another idea for a paper publication, investigating the best materials to make a berm.

Cozzi tested different mixtures of sand and soil and it is working with the data for a paper publication.

In addition to this work, he also conducted and led research skills boot camps at the local library as part of his research award.

Lastly, James of Windsor, Ont., a thirdfourth-year human kinetics taking a sports management minor, worked this summer on a sports-based positive youth development program for underprivileged communities, using sport as a vehicle to teach important life skills such as determination, resilience, confidence, and commitment.

He taught basketball and weight room fundamentals in the hopes of creating the next generation of leaders, with good character and discipline, enabling them to not only become great athletes, but contributing members of society, he says.

Like Blackwood, his faculty supervisor is Jonathan Hood.

“This opportunity was a fantastic experience for me. I was glad to be a part of something,” James said. “The research was in a topic that I enjoy very much, which made it a little bit easier.”

He suggested he wasn’t sure how the world of research worked, but he believes this opportunity will help him in his future courses at StFX and his future endeavours.

“This experience benefited me in many ways. I enjoyed participating in the research and learning lots of new things throughout the summer,” James said. “With basketball doing so much for me, this experience has allowed me to reflect on that, and use the research to help give back to the community that gave so much to me.”

Photo contributed.

From left: Isaac Ombotimbe, Devaughn Blackwood, Gatluak James, Gabriel Cozzi, and Olajesu Abioye

EHS employees honoured passing milestones

by Drake Lowthers The Reporter drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com

NOVA SCOTIA: Eighty-one Emergency Health Services (EHS) employees, including several from the Strait Area and across Cape Breton Island, who have banked 20 or more years of service, were recognized for their commitment to keeping Nova Scotians safe.

The Long-Service Awards, includes one service member from Antigonish and 16 members scattered across Cape Breton Island including three each in Port Hawkesbury, the Cape Breton Highlands, and Sydney; two in Glace Bay, New Waterford, and North Sydney and one in Baddeck, were presented at a ceremony in Halifax on October 4.

“A career in paramedicine is challenging, yet rewarding, especially when you go home at night and know that you’ve helped someone,” Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson said. “Today’s award recipients are a perfect example of what it means to put the needs of others first, day in and day out. I want to thank all the award recipients for their years of service and dedication to the people of Nova Scotia.”

The local recipients have a combined 390 years of service saving lives and providing emergency care in Nova Scotia. Employees must have at least 20 years of service and be in good standing with the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia to qualify for the award.

Frank Johnston, a communications officer at the EHS Medical Communications Centre suggests he is grateful to be receiving this recognition, and is honoured that 40 years later, he is still serving Nova Scotians.

“I have seen an enormous evolution in paramedicine since I started, particularly in our scope of practice, which can be seen in the clinical treatments we are now able to provide. While this has been an exciting part of the job for me, what I have enjoyed the most about the profession over the years are the many interesting people I’ve had the privilege to meet and events I’ve become involved in,” Johnston said. “This profession has given me a chance to experience many situations – some very pleasant such as defibrillating someone back to life – and others not so pleasant. But it can always be said that as a paramedic you are making a positive contribution to your community and for that I am proud.”

According to a release, there are about 1,200 paramedics in Nova Scotia and – in 2022 – the EHS communications centre received about 189,000 calls, an average of about 500 calls per day.

There are more than 200 vehicles and four aircra in the Emergency Health Services fleet, including ambulances, patient transfer units, medical transport units, single paramedic response units, helicopters and fixed wing airplanes.

contributed.

The 17 recipients of the EHS Long-Service Awards in the Strait Area have a combined 390 years of service saving lives and providing emergency care in Nova Scotia

Emergency Health Services

(EHS) Long-Service Awards

30 years:

Glen Durant, Glace Bay

Shaun Head, New Waterford

25 years:

Greg Hann, Sydney

James Hoare, North Sydney

Natasha Ryan, Port Hawkesbury

Nicole Jessome, North Sydney

Rhonda Helpard, Port Hawkesbury

Sean Smeaton, Antigonish

20 years:

Debra Fortune, Cape Breton Highlands (Ingonish and Neils Harbour)

Kim MacQueen, Glace Bay

Mary-Beth Goodall, Cape Breton

Highlands (Ingonish and Neils Harbour)

Mike Gillis, Port Hawkesbury

Michael MacKenzie, Sydney

Robert Malley, Cape Breton Highlands

(Ingonish and Neils Harbour)

Stephen Steele, Sydney

Troy Bennett, Baddeck

William McKee, New Waterford

CBU invites nominations for the Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion

SYDNEY: Cape Breton University is seeking nominations for the Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion Award.

This award seeks to honour a community-engaged scholar who demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, working within meaningful community partnerships.

This award exemplifies its namesake, Margaret Dechman, a researcher, and associate professor of sociology who passed away in 2020. Dechman was wellrecognized as a champion for social justice and a tireless advocate for marginalized populations.

This award honours her legacy of community service.

CBU’s Senate Research Committee Chair, Jan Hancock, will lead the adjudication of the research awards program, and he notes this award recognizes the importance of community partnerships in research.

“The essence of the selection criteria

Helping the Helpers Awareness and Education Day

For First Responders and Front-Line Workers, their families and support people

ANTIGONISH: A special event, which will be hosted at StFX University on Oct. 28, is calling on all first responders and front-line professionals, their spouses, their friends, and their professional support people.

Paramedics, police officers, fire fighters, military personnel, nurses, social workers, correctional officers, veterinarians, funeral directors, tow truck operators, 911 call operators and dispatchers, and search and rescue professionals are among those who may benefit from attending.

It is noted the program is not suitable for family members under 18.

This program is designed to provide awareness and education; coping strategies and support for first responders, allied frontline professionals and their families who are impacted by or at risk for psychological workplace injuries such as PTSD/OSI.

The program will feature presentations, stories and lived experiences from first responders, clinical specialists and frontline workers and their family members. The program is designed to dispel myths and breakdown the stigma connected to PTSD.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the Helping the Helpers Awareness and

Education Day again this year. We know that many of our first responders are feeling the added strain brought on by the recent wildfires and only weeks later by unprecedented flash flooding,” Paramedic and Committee Chair of Helping the Helpers, John Garth MacDonald said. “These extraordinary demands on first responders come on the heels of the heartbreaking losses we have experienced a er the deadly rampage that started in Portapique. I am hopeful that this conference will provide both the friendship and support that we all value so much.”

The awareness and education day is one of several initiatives of the Helping the Helpers volunteer driven organization. The group provides scholarships to students entering first responder professions, as well as financial support for workers in an acute phase of a PTSD episode affecting their ability to work.

People are asked to visit the website www.helpingthehelpers.ca, to learn more about the work of Helping the Helpers, to see detailed program information, or to register for the event.

Ceilidh

is a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and a record of active engagement with the community members whose lives are affected by the issue being studied,” Hancock explained.

While many CBU researchers are likely candidates known for their extensive research to support social needs, he suggested this award also recognizes people in the community as eligible nominees.

“A unique feature of this award is that nominations are invited from within the community as well as within CBU,” Hancock explains. “We welcome nominees that might include CBU academic researchers, members of community-based or peerdriven advocacy organizations, research participants and champions. As well, nominees may include students and nonacademic research practitioners.”

The deadline for this award, along with two internal awards for research excellence in research and rising research among CBU faculty, is October 15.

Photo

Photo by Mary Hankey.

Singer Allison Allison Allison from Quebec was one of many performers who dropped by the Strait Area Museum for the Community Ceilidh at the Causeway on the opening day of Celtic Colours.

at the Causeway

Strait Richmond CHB hands out wellness funds

Photos contributed.

Marie Burkey, right, receives the community health board wellness fund on behalf of the Richmond County Adult Drop-in Group, where adults of all backgrounds can feel welcome, included, heard, and seen.

Monique Marchand with the Association des femmes acadiennes de Richmond - Art et Cuisine – intergénérationnelle, advised the program will be an opportunity for girls, women, and French-speaking caregivers in the region to come together for four sessions of “Intergenerational art and cuisine” workshops aimed at intergenerational well-being and connections.

Debbie Sampson shared the Imagine the Possibilities Project - Chapter Two will bring together older adults and organizations that work with older adults to share information and resources to help promote an age friendly.

Robert Goyetche explained the goal of the Building Community Resiliency in Older Adults, which is hosted by the Lousidale Fluer-de-Lis Seniors Club is to reconnect older adults following three difficult years post COVID-19, offer a welcoming atmosphere that reduces social isolation, provides an opportunity to learn, and share experiences to help to build resiliency and strengthen friendships in the community.

Your Community Calendar

We will post the event, date, and time at no charge. Non pro t organizations only. Space is limited and there are no guarantees for free listings.

WEDNESDAY OCT. 11

-45 Card Game at the New Horizon Club in Arichat at 2:00pm.

-45 Card Play at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 37 in Mulgrave at 7:30pm.

-BINGO sponsored by Tracadie Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary at the Monastery Fire Hall at 7:30pm.

-45 Card Play at the Mulgrave Legion at 7:30pm (For more info go to our Facebook page at: www.Facebook. com/MulgraveLegion)

-Riverdale Seniors Club at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River. 12:00pm.

-CORAH Café at NSCC Strait Campus cafeteria, 226 Reeves St, Port Hawkesbury. Enjoy coffee/tea, socializing, conversation, board games, cards and/ or exercises. (55+ years) 9:00am10:00am

-CORAH NSCC Library – meet the library team and become a library patron, NSCC Strait Campus, 226 Reeves St, Port Hawkesbury. (55+) 10:00am11:00am.

-Tarte aux pommes avec Wanda, La Picasse, 3435 Hwy 206, Petit de Grat. 6:00pm.

-Breakfast in the South West at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, SW Margaree, 19678 Hwy 19. 9:30am-11:00am.

THURSDAY OCT. 12

-BINGO at the New Horizon Club in Arichat at 2:00pm.

-BINGO at the Royal Canadian Legion

Branch 81 in Guysborough at 7:30pm.

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

-BINGO at the Port Hastings Volunteer Fire Department at 8:00pm.

-Blind 45 Card Play at the Mulgrave Legion Branch 37 at 7:30pm.

-CORAH Elderdog Presentation at NSCC Strait Campus, 226 Reeves St, Port Hawkesbury. 10:00am-11:00am.

-Cape Breton Ostomy Peer Support Group will be meeting at the South Bar Fire Hall, South Bar. This is a support group for anyone with an ostomy, or will be getting one, and their support person. 2:00pm-4:00pm.

-Stories of the Margaree at the Margaree Firemen’s Club, 7811 Cabot Trail, Margaree Forks. 2:00pm.

FRIDAY OCT. 13

-CORAH Café at NSCC Strait Campus cafeteria, 226 Reeves St, Port Hawkesbury. Enjoy coffee/tea, socializing, conversation, board games, cards and/ or exercises. (55+ years) 9:00am10:00am

-BINGO at the Port Hawkesbury Volunteer Fire Department at 8:00pm.

-Tabletop Games at the Evergreen Seniors Club, Embree St, Port Hawkesbury from 7:00pm-10:00pm. For more information contact Port Hawkesbury Tabletop Society at charlesbeaton@hotmail.com.

-Chase the Ace at the L’Ardoise Community Centre. 6:30pm-8:30pm

-CORAH Just What is Tai Chi? at NSCC

Strait Campus, 226 Reeves St, Port Hawkesbury. 10:00am-11:15am.

-Indoor Washer Toss at the Acadiaville Hall in West Arichat. 7:30pm.

SATURDAY OCT. 14

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

-45’s Card Play at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 in Port Hawkesbury from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Bring a partner.

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

-Treasures of Margaree Craft Sale & Luncheon at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, 6531 Cabot Trail, NE Margaree. Craft sale: 10:00am-2:00pm, Luncheon: 11:00am – 1:00pm.

-Brown Bag Tea & Sale at the Grand River Fire Hall in Grand River. 2:00pm4:00pm.

-5th Annual Stevie MacInnis Memorial ATV Rally commencing at the Arisaig Wharf at 9:00am with onsite registration. Online registration at https:// atvans.wildapricot.org.

-Trivia Night at the Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville. 7:00pm.

SUNDAY OCT. 15

-TV Bingo - Play at the Canso Lions Club or at home on Cable 6 at 6:00pm.

-Bingo at St. Joseph’s Parish, Port Felix at 7:30pm.

-Bingo at the Heatherton and Area Community Centre in Heatherton. 2:15pm.

Please contact Nicole at 902-625-3300 | nicolefawcett@porthawkesburyreporter.com

-Mini Cribbage at the Mulgrave Royal Canadian Legion Branch 37. 1:00pm

-Hank’s Jamboree at the Havre Boucher Community Centre. 1:00pm

-Cribbage at the Seniors Room, St. Andrew’s Community Centre, St. Andrew’s. 1:00pm.

-Les dimanches Théâtre avec Claudia, La Picasse, 3435 Hwy 206, 5:00pm6:00pm.

-Port Hawkesbury Market at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves St. 10:00am-2:00pm.

-Blow Out the Cobwebs Halloween Costume Walk at the Lennox Passage Provincial Park on Isle Madame. 11:00am-3:00pm.

-L’Arche Cape Breton Concert at the St. Peter’s Lions Club in St. Peter’s.

2:00pm-4:00pm.

-Brunch sponsored by the Judique Knights of Columbus at the Judique Community Centre. 10:30am12:30pm.

MONDAY OCT. 16

-Progressive 45 Card Game at the St. Andrew’s Community Centre. 7:30pm

-Jeux de sacs de sable, grand salle, La Picasse, 3435 Hwy 206, Petit de Grat.

1:00pm-3:00pm.

-Apprendre Français Débutant 1, La Picasse, 3435 Hwy 206, Petit de Grat. 6:00pm-7:00pm -Yoga sur chaise, La Picasse, 3435 Hwy 206, Petit de Grat. 12:30pm.

TUESDAY OCT. 17

-Judique Community Centre Library is

open from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

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

-Card Play at the St. George’s Channel Hall in St. George’s Channel. 7:30pm

-Atelier de couture pour enfant (coudre un toutou), La Picasee, 3435 Hwy 206, Petit de Grat. 6:00pm

-Cours ordinateurs avec Kenneth David, La Picasase, 3435 Hwy 206, Petit de Grat. 10:00am.

UPCOMING/ONGOING EVENTS

Music Circle – 1st Saturday of each month at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150, Arichat. Bring your own instrument. 2:00-4:00pm.

Breakfast – 2nd Sunday of each month at the D’Escousse Civic Improvement Hall from 8am-11am.

Breakfast – 3rd Sunday of each month at the St. George’s Channel Community Hall. 9:00am-12:00pm

Kitchen Parties – 3rd Sunday of each month at St. Patrick’s Hall in Guysborough Intervale. 2:00pm The 2023 Read Atlantic/Lire Atlantique Unlimited Access provides all public library users across Atlantic Canada access to a pool of 50 eBooks and audiobooks. Notably, these eBooks incorporate various features to enhance accessibility for readers with print-related disabilities. Learn more at https://novascotia.overdrive.com/ novascotia-easterncounties/content Find information about your local library here: https://ecrl.ca/locations

Strait Richmond Community Health Board Co-Chairs, Mildred Lynn McDonald and Theresa MacInnis, and NSH Coordinator, Dorothy Bennett.

Municipality of the County of Inverness Deputy Warden Catherine Gillis was a special guest at the ceremony.

Nuisance road warriors in Guysborough

by Alec Bruce Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Guysborough Journal

GUYSBOROUGH: It’s not exactly a scene worthy of

Without a Cause, but at least one Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG) councillor is getting concerned about a rowdy pattern of dirt-bike riding around the municipality. The issue arose briefly at a recent council meeting when District 1 Councillor Paul Long asked RCMP Cpl. Michael Wilson

– who had just wrapped up his biannual crime report for the municipality – if he knew what to do about “young lads on dirt bikes that are [riding] all over the place... on the waterfront... in the last month or so.”

Long emphasized that he was concerned about their safety.

“I’m just scared whether they’re going to get killed,” he said.

Wilson replied that the problem is not unique to Guysborough. “I live in Antigonish and it seems that they are all over that town.”

Long asked the officer if he knew what the solution was. Wilson noted that catching them can be especially tricky.

“You know, if we put on our lights and sirens, and they don’t stop, we don’t chase them. To pursue an off-highway vehicle [like that]...it’s just too dangerous. Generally, they know that and so they don’t stop for us,” he said. “If police can identify the riders, [we] can always deal with them later, when they are home. Of course, if they have their helmets on and there are no license plates, identification can be very difficult, unless we have somebody to tell us who they are.”

Long didn’t waste any time with his response.

“Yeah, well, I can probably give you four names before we’re done here.”

IWK Foundation announces $1-million donation from Bell Let’s Talk to support emergency mental health care within redeveloped IWK Emergency Department

HALIFAX: The IWK Foundation announced a generous $1-million gi from Bell Let’s Talk, on Oct. 4, that will change the way patients requiring emergency mental health services are cared for in the IWK Emergency Department (ED).

This gi will support a dedicated mental health space in the new IWK ED. It will include its own waiting area and will be separate from the general patient areas. This space will provide a therapeutic, private and confidential environment for children, youth and families – optimizing emergency mental health and addictions assessments, while helping to reduce stigma and barriers o en associated with seeking treatment for mental health and addictions.

“Bell is proud to play a role in providing cuttingedge mental health care to young people from across the Maritimes by creating a mental health and addictions area within the IWK Emergency Department,” President & CEO of Bell Canada, Mirko Bibic said. “The new waiting room will contribute to the quality of care at what is a difficult time for youth and their families and make a real difference as to whether or not they seek treatment in the future.”

As the only accredited level one trauma centre east of Quebec, the IWK Emergency Department has provided services for children, youth, and families throughout the Maritimes for almost 40 years. The IWK Emergency Department continues to experience record-breaking patient visits, including those requiring mental health care. When the current ED was developed, it was not

designed with the mental health patient population in mind.

“We continue to see a consistently high number of crisis visits to the IWK Emergency Department for mental health and addictions (MHA), and about 25 per cent of these patients require admission for inpatient MHA care,” Chief of Psychiatry with IWK Health, Dr. Alexa Bagnell said. “Research in stigma and trauma informed care shows that experience in the Emergency Department impacts how patients and families feel about seeking future mental health care. The new Emergency Mental Health and

Addictions area will provide a safe, private space for our patients and families in an environment that complements the exceptional care from our welltrained emergency mental health and addictions clinicians and physicians.”

President & CEO of IWK Health, Dr. Krista Jangaard indicated donors like Bell Let’s Talk will play an integral role in bringing the new IWK Emergency Department to the standard that Maritime patients and families have come to rely on and expect.

“An environment that is consistent with the

philosophy that makes the IWK the special place that it is,” she said.

The IWK is one of only several hospitals across Canada where medical and psychiatric care are fully integrated in the Emergency Department. The IWK ED is the only 24/7 emergency child and adolescent psychiatry service in the Maritimes and the Mental Health and Addictions program’s gateway to acute inpatient care. A total of 96 per cent of patients cared for at the IWK Garron Centre for Child & Adolescent Mental Health – acute inpatient care – are admitted directly from the IWK ED.

“With a partnership spanning nearly three decades, Bell Aliant has been a long-time, valued supporter of the IWK and the IWK Foundation. Today’s announcement builds on our shared commitment to improving the provision of emergency mental health care and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness,” President & CEO of the IWK Foundation Jennifer Gillivan said.

“We are immensely grateful for the continued support of Bell to make this dedicated emergency mental health space in the new ED a reality, providing a comforting environment for patient families at a time when they are most worried.”

The IWK Foundation is privileged to work in partnership with IWK Health and the Province of Nova Scotia on this essential redevelopment. The IWK Foundation’s goal is to raise $26.5 million to support the purchase of specialized equipment as well as specific facility upgrades, enhancements, and research.

Newspapers Play a Key Role in Our Communities

Photo contributed. On Oct. 4, the IWK Foundation announced a $1-million donation from Bell Let’s Talk to support emergency mental health care within redeveloped IWK Emergency Department.

Two years later, what are your thoughts on $10-a-day child

care? e Nova Scotia government still wants to know

by Lauren Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Coast

NOVA SCOTIA: Since 2021, families in Nova Scotia have been promised $10-a-day child care, on average, by March 2026. This promise, made through the Canada-Nova Scotia CanadaWide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, pledges $605 million from Ottawa plus $40 million from Nova Scotia over five years to make sure all families find “high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care no matter where they live,” the agreement says.

But a report published in May 2023 by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says affordable child care is only possible if there are enough child care spaces. Says the report: “In more populated areas of Nova Scotia, from small towns to its one big city of Halifax, about a third of children live in child care deserts. Finding a child care space is twice as hard in rural areas, where 61 per cent of children live in child care deserts.”

The Canada-Wide agreement is meant to end child care deserts and prioritize the funding of not-for-profit and public child care programs and services to combat costs to parents.

So, two years later, what has the agreement achieved?

In an email to The Coast, Nova Scotia’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development says as of March 2023, $107.3 million has been spent under the agreement, with $25.9 million on new and renovated child care spaces, $45.7 million on parent fee reductions and $22.2 million on early childhood educator (ECE) compensation.

With approximately $500 million still to be released, how the province will achieve its ambitious goals of $10/day child care, opening of 9,500 new child care spaces and continuing to raise ECE wages by 2026 remains to be seen. Why? Because the province is late.

The public action plan needed to release future funding was due in spring 2023.

In an August 2023 statement, NDP leader Claudia Chender said the provincial government has not met deadlines of the agreement and has stalled $123 million in federal funding for 202324 as a result.

Becky Druhan, said missing this deadline will have “no impact at all on the availability of

funding right now for the work that’s underway,” as she told the Halifax Examiner. “We will not leave any funding on the table this year or throughout the course of the agreement.”

Funding is meant to be released to the province twice per fiscal year—in June and November—depending on certain conditions being met, including the publication of an action plan for 2023-2026.

Another condition is that Nova Scotia “consult with parents, child care providers, experts, Indigenous peoples, official language minority communities and other interested parties as an important step in developing and revising its Action Plan. Nova Scotia will outline the results of consultations in its Action Plan as well as through its annual reporting.”

If the government plans to get back on track before November’s funding deadline, it has to develop and release their action plan now.

Perhaps in light of that, the early childhood education department is asking the public to weigh in during a two-part engagement campaign called “Building a Brighter Future Through Early Learning and Child Care: Your Input Matters.”

On Sept. 18, a short online survey went live for all Nova Scotians to share their thoughts about what matters most regarding early childhood education, with the goal of $10/day child care still very much on the table. Kayleigh Gildart is the project executive with the department.

“Affordability for families is one of the key goals [of the agreement],” says Gildart. “And it’s really one of the key goals of building a publicly funded early learning system. It remains a key priority. And by 2026 we will have achieved an average of $10-a-day care for families here in Nova Scotia.” The survey will stay up until Oct. 25.

Gildart says the government “understands that hearing from parents and caregivers about their needs and hopes for early learning and childcare is really critical in building a system that works for everyone. And we know that when we go through a major system transformation, engagement is really important.”

Now is the time for renewed public engagement, Gildart says, since the agreement has been in effect for two years. “There have been a lot of changes that we’ve been making. And there are certainly more to come. And, so, we really want to get out there into communities, and start an online conversation about the impact of these changes…specifically, we’re

really looking at discussing needs and solutions with families and primary caregivers.”

According to Gildart, hearing from families and primary caregivers from specific communities across the province ensures the future design of the child care agreement will be collaborative and community-based. “It’s a very inclusive survey,” says Gildart, “meaning that it’s designed not only to hear from parents and primary caregivers, but also those that are working in the childcare sector. So, ECEs, early childhood educators, operators and owners, as well as the general public because this is, as you know, a publicly funded system that we are building, and we thought it was very important that we give all Nova Scotians an opportunity to also participate in this process.”

Gildart says the survey is available in 300 languages and takes less than 10 minutes to answer. It asks things like how many children you have, what your current child care arrangement is and whether you and your partner are employed. It also invites opinions: “What do you value about publicly funded Early Learning and Child Care?” and “Nova Scotia has committed to ensuring the cost of child care will be an average of $10/day for most families by 2026. What does this decision mean to you?”

A er answering, you’re given a chance to share your thoughts, briefly, about how to improve child care in the province. Thoughts from others are then shared anonymously with you to rate.

Two issues rank highest in shared overall survey results: the lack of child care spaces and the need to recruit, train and keep—through responsible and competitive wages—child care workers who offer high-quality and inclusive learning regardless of fee or location.

Alongside the survey, community consultations will run from Oct. 3-24. People can register for these online. Consultations are aimed at parents and primary caregivers whose children are enrolled in child care, will be enrolled in the future or are waiting to access care.

As the website says: “Conversations will be specific to early learning and child care involving children from infants to four years in licensed child-care centres and family homes, as well as children aged four to 12 in before and a er school care. It does not include items related to the public school system.”

There are 12 community consultations in total, with a limit of 30 participants each. Eight

of these are open to everyone, while four are invitation only, including a virtual session for parents and primary caregivers of children with unique needs.

Gildart says these 12 sessions are familyfriendly and inclusive: parents are welcome to bring their children. One session will be in French, another will be bilingual and one will provide translators and interpreters in partnership with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).

“We have chosen to host our in-person sessions at schools, wherever possible, because those are physically accessible spaces,” says Gildart. “For our session at ISANS, [we’ll be] choosing culturally appropriate refreshments and snacks for the session.”

For families who can’t make a session, Gildart says “accessibility is one of the key reasons why we chose to have a hybrid process where individuals that maybe don’t feel comfortable leaving their home, can fully participate online through the survey.”

Gildart says the survey results will be equally weighted with feedback from in-person sessions before both are condensed into data that will help inform the second part of the process. The second phase is geared exclusively to early childhood educators—ECEs—operators and other early learning and child care partners.

Says Gildart, “We’ll have more details to come as we get those plans finalized. And then a er phase two is complete, we will then have a publicly available report.” Per the public engagement page, “Once both phases of the consultation are completed in 2024, we will be sharing a public report on what we learned and how this will inform decisions, plans and progress.”

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development says the total cost of public consultations is expected to be $135,000, from session design to writing the report, and is covered through federal funding in the agreement.

“We’re always interested in how the feedback that we get through public consultation can inform very tangible, actionable next steps,” Gildart says. “The report will give us very good insight into what’s important to Nova Scotians as we continue to build this publicly funded system.”

Perhaps this report will help produce the overdue action plan needed to release the remaining funds.

humanities: StFX hosts Atlantic

ANTIGONISH: Humanities scholars from across the region converged on StFX September 22 and 23 to attend the annual conference of the Atlantic Medieval and Early Modern Group, a regional scholarly organization devoted to studying and teaching the medieval and early modern periods, a time that spans over 1,000 years from 400CE-1700CE.

“The group includes scholars from across disciplines. At this year’s annual conference, we were proud to feature work from art historians, literary scholars, philosophers, historians, and graduate students,” this year’s conference organizers, Joseph Khoury and Laura Estill, both of StFX’s Department of English said. “We even had a wonderful presentation from one of our own honours students, Clara O’Callaghan, who is currently completing her undergraduate honours thesis in history at StFX.”

Ciara Wainwright, a StFX English undergraduate and co-president of the English Society, supported the event’s organization.

The annual conference is hosted by a new institution each year. The last time it was hosted at StFX was in 2015, organized

once again by Khoury. Next year, the conference will take place at Acadia University.

“This event showcased StFX as a hub for the humanities, displaying our top research and teaching,” Estill and Khoury said. “The wide-ranging support for this event, from the Dean of Arts, the Academic Vice President, the Research Services Office, the Department of English, the Department of Philosophy, and the Angus L. Macdonald Library, shows how we can pull together across units and disciplines in order to foster academic discussions, while also participating in the broader intellectual community of our region.”

The conference was attended by participants from across the region, including people who travelled in from Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. Bonaventure University (New York State), the University of Prince Edward Island, St. Thomas University, and the University of New Brunswick.

From Nova Scotia, participants joined from Dalhousie and the University of King’s College, as well as StFX. All together, 40 people participated in the conference in various ways, giving talks, attending panels, and joining in the vibrant scholarly

discussions, organizers say.

Khoury and Estill indicated they were pleased to feature the work of students during the event, both graduate and undergraduate, and both in the presentations and behind the scenes.

The opening reception included a tour of special collections at StFX’s Angus L. Macdonald Library, facilitated and led by Laurinda Matheson and Susan Cameron, both of StFX’s library.

“Participants were fascinated to learn about the rare books held here,” Estill said. “Including an early French edition of Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones and minutes from miners working at the Springhill mine.”

Khoury hosted the convivial closing reception at his home, where discussions about literature, history, and society continued.

The event was described as the “best yet” by attendees, Khoury and Estill suggested, who will be editing a journal special issue based on the presentations at the conference. Even though the conference is over, more work is yet to be done.

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A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Never known to fail)

O most beautiful ower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity. ere are none that can withstand your power.

Oh show me herein you are my Mother.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee ( 3 times).

Holy Mother I place this cause in your hands ( 3 times). Holy spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads, so that I can attain my goal. You who gave me the divine gi to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as I con rm once again that I never want to be separated from you, from your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. e prayer must be said 3 days, a er the request granted and the prayer must be published. G.G

The Lasting Tribute MEMORIALS Guaranteed

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BOLGER,

William “Patrick” “Pat”

It is with heavy hearts and tremendous sorrow that we announce the death of William “Patrick” Bolger age 91 of Port Hastings, NS, who passed away the morning of Saturday, September 30th, 2023, at the Strait Richmond Hospital in Evanston, NS.

ARICHAT BIBLE CHURCH

– Baptist Sundays – Adult Bible Study and Sunday School – 10:00 a.m. Worship Service – 11:00 a.m.

ROMAN CATHOLIC

St. Joseph’s – Port Hawkesbury Services held Saturdays at 4pm Sundays 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

St. Mark’s United Church, 504 Bernard St., Port Hawkesbury Sunday 9:30 a.m. Church O ce 902-625-2229 E-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA

St. David’s United Church 7 Old Victoria Road Port Hastings, NS Sunday Service 11 a.m. 902-625-2178 With Sandi Irving

ANGLICAN COMMUNITY in STRAIT-CHEDABUCTO

St. James – Melford Saturday –7 p.m. St. Andrews, Mulgrave Sunday – 9:15 a.m. Holy Trinity, Port Hawkesbury Sunday – 11:00 a.m. Rectory: 902-747-2255

RIVER & LAKESIDE

PASTORAL CHARGE Forbes United Church, River Denys.

SOVEREIGN GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Blues Mills Fire Hall TCH 105 –11:00 a.m. 902-756-2203 Rev. Wayne MacLeod

MULGRAVE PASTORAL CHARGE (United Church) St. Matthew’s, A on: 9:00 a.m. Trinity, Mulgrave: 10:45 a.m. Hadleyville: 12:30 p.m.

Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home Ltd. CANSO 902-366-2308 GUYSBOROUGH HEAD OFFICE 724 Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2N8 902-625-1911

WHYCOCOMAGH 902-756-2446 ST. PETER’S 902-535-3067

Information on Pre-Arranged Funerals Available

John Langley

Funeral Director

Clem Munroe

Funeral Director

Craig MacLean

Funeral Director

724

Steven MacIntosh Funeral Director

Martin Flood Funeral Director

Joni Lee ompson Funeral Director

Pat, as he was known to both family and friends, was born in Torbay, NFLD on December 17th, 1931 to loving parents, Patrickand Mary (Cullen) of Torbay, NFLD. Growing up in a close-knit Irish Catholic family that included 13 children, he spoke so often of his fond memories of childhood, growing up during the war years spending much time with his father in his blacksmith forge - the unofficial social lair of the community.

Dad left home at 17, fibbing about his age, and began work for the United States Air Force as a heavy-duty mechanic in Goose Bay, NL, and later, Frobisher Bay, NWT. It was there that he met our mother, Marie MacDonald of Point Tupper, NS. With much (needed) patience, and shared values, they created a family of 6. Our mother and father taught us a strong work ethic with a deep sense of right and wrong.

Following Marie back to Nova Scotia, Dad began working with Nova Construction and then moved on to work at Stora Forest Industries, in Point Tupper in 1961. In addition to immense patience, he was known for his dry sense of humour, and his willingness to help whenever he was able. Dad never took a day off, as is understandable when you have 6 kids at home. There was nothing that Dad wouldn’t or couldn’t do (before computers) and Mom affectionately referred to him as Patch-it Bolger.

Dad had a very deep Catholic faith and was a proud member of the Port Hawkesbury Knights of Columbus Nova Council #7924. Working with the Knights he was involved in a number of different projects, including the restoration of the current Knight’s Hall, adjacent to St Joseph’s Parish.

As was common at the time, Pat and Marie regularly piled all 6 kids into the GMC Safari Station Wagon for Sunday drives, trips to the library in Mulgrave and summer vacations. Apparently back then no one knew that two parents smoking with the kids in the car and the windows rolled up was an issue. How we would all love to have those days back.

Dad is survived by his loving children George, Tim (Sylvie), Maureen (Danny), Cullen (Wendy) and Michael. He also leaves behind his adoring grandchildren: Jackson, Conor, Flannery, Amanda, Patrick, Sam, Michael, Liam, Jane, and great-granddaughter Adaline. Also left to grieve is his brother-in-law, “Uncle Jack”, as well as his own wonderful brothers and sisters, Jim, Maureen, Eleanor, Gordon, Marguerite, Michael and Vivian, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Dad was predeceased by our mother, Marie, and our oldest brother, John, from whose passing he never fully recovered. Also predeceased by sisters and brothers, Mary, Agnes, Theresa, George, Bridget, and many other friends and loved ones over the years.

A very special thanks goes out to Drs. DeRoche and Hanspal, and the wonderful nursing staff in the emergency department of Strait Richmond Hospital.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral service will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Cape Nova Council #7924, Port Hawkesbury, or St Joseph’s Cemetery Fund. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at:www.haverstocks.com

THOSE WE LOVE DON’T GO AWAY, THEY WALK BESIDE US EVERY DAY, UNSEEN, UNHEARD, BUT ALWAYS NEAR, STILL LOVED, STILL MISSED AND VERY DEAR.

Important reminder for Nova Scotia Health visitors and support persons

Are you planning on visiting or supporting a patient receiving care within a Nova Scotia Health facility? Here are a few things to consider before planning your visit: If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another respiratory virus - even one symptom - or have been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19 in the past 10 days, please reconsider your visit and plan it for another day. To protect our patients and staff, please do not enter a Nova Scotia Health facility if you have any symptoms. When arriving for your visit, please ensure you use the provided hand sanitizer and put on

a mask. Masks are available at the entrances and are strongly encouraged in all our facilities. Masking is required in designated areas, including emergency departments, inpatient units and in areas where care is being provided to patients at highest risk of severe outcomes as a result of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and Influenza. Please adhere to the direction provided by the care team and follow the guidance provided for the duration of your visit.

Please do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

Tourism in Richmond County

by Ann Marie Yorke

amazing concert, with great talent scheduled to perform.

The concert will start at 7:30pm at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall in St. Peter’s. Tickets are $35/30. Performers will include Villages, Jordan Musycsyn, and Mama’s Broke. These amazing entertainers are sure to have you tapping your toes and wanting to get up and dance.

Other Celtic Colours events in the surrounding area will include the 8am event “Every Child Matters, Finding a Way Forward” at the J. Franklin Wright Gallery at Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre in Port Hawkesbury. Admission is Free. This exhibition features the works of five commissioned artists, Tara Francis, Gerald Glad, Phyllis Grant, Lorne Julien, and Noelle Moore.

We also have a Celtic Colours Community Event starting at 10am in Arichat. It is the Blacksmithing Workshop at the LeNoir Forge Museum. The price for this workshop is $75 adults; $30 Youth to age 14. Visit one of the oldest stone buildings on Cape Breton Island and learn about the traditional art of blacksmithing. Participants will produce a forge piece.

One of my favorite Celtic Colours Festival

community events every year is Sounds and Supper by the Sea at Lobsters R Us in Lower L’Ardoise starting at 1pm. PRICE $47.00 per person. Ceilidh begins at 1pm followed by a traditional 1½ lb lobster dinner with salad, dessert, coffee and tea at 3pm. Optional ham dinner for those who do not like lobster.

A er a full day of entertainment and dining what better way to end the day that to enjoy the community event of the Late Night Jams with Kitchen Rackets at the St. Peter’s Lions Marina in St. Peter’s starting at 10:30pm.  Admission is by Donation. A er the local evening concert, visiting players are invited to sit in with local musicians for acoustic jam sessions, instrumentalists, singers, dancers and listeners are welcome.

As of October 15, the St. Peter’s Visitors Centre will be closing for the season. Please continue to send your upcoming events to me at annmarieyorke@ hotmail.com and I will add them to our Richmond County Events Calendar on www.visitstpeters. com website.

Until next week, I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy all that our beautiful county has to offer, great hiking, great dining and amazing gi shops to find those perfect gi s for special occasions. For a full list of activities happening around the county please visit www.visitstpeters.com.

Do you like to write?

Are you curious about everything?

Do you read newspapers and magazines regularly?

Do you wonder why things happen?

Are you interested in news, history, geography, politics, sports?

Combine your interests by joining our growing team as a freelancer for the Strait Area Reporter  For more information, please contact Nicole Fawcett nicolefawcett@porthawkesburyreporter.com

Career Opportunities

Municipality of the County of Inverness is seeking applicants for the following roles:

Celtic Colours L’Ardoise show

Did you know that your cognitive abilities and hearing health are intricately linked? Research has unveiled a powerful connection between the two. Untreated hearing loss can accelerate cognitive decline.

Did you know that your cognitive abilities and hearing health are intricately linked? Research has unveiled a powerful connection between the two. Untreated hearing loss can accelerate cognitive decline.

When your brain struggles to process sounds due to hearing loss, it diverts resources from cognitive functions like memory and comprehension, potentially leading to cognitive challenges.

When your brain struggles to process sounds due to hearing loss, it diverts resources from cognitive functions like memory and comprehension, potentially leading to cognitive challenges.

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By prioritizing

By prioritizing your hearing health, you’re not just enhancing your auditory experience but also nurturing your cognitive well-being.

Phone:902-625-5361 Toll-Free:1-888-625-5361

Office:606ReevesStreet,Unit3, PortHawkesbury,NSB9A2R7

Afternoon:2:00pm Evening:7:00pm

In their first year with Celtic Colours, celebrated duo Jay Ungar and Molly Mason were scheduled for three shows, including a Sunday afternoon show in L’Ardoise.

Photos by Dana MacPhail-Touesnard.

Donnie Campbell, who shared the stage with Jinks O’Neill on Oct. 8, noted that at his last performance in the Richmond County community he shared the stage with L’Ardoise native Leona Burkey.

Jinks O’Neill helped lead the audience in a sing-along during his Sunday afternoon performance with Donnie Campbell

Jinks O’Neil (left) and Donnie Campbell were one of three duos to grace the stage of the L’Ardoise Community Centre on Oct. 8.

Manx Gaelic singer Ruth Keggin and Scottish harpist Rachel Hair, both known for their solo work, have joined forces as a duo for their most recent CD and for their recent Celtic Colours performances, including Sunday’s show in L’Ardoise.

In true Celtic Colours fashion, dup Jay Ungar (left) and Molly Mason (centre) invited Ruth Keggin, a Gaelic singer from the Isle of Man, to join them on stage during the ‘A Full Slate’ show on Sunday afternoon.