April 06, 2016 - The Pictou Advocate
Transcription
April 06, 2016 - The Pictou Advocate
News • P3 Fashion forward BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER Entertainment • P8 Costelo supports refugees Sports • P10 Gryphons hockey champs s(EARING4ESTS ƫ ƫ s(EARING!IDS ƫ s%AR7AX 2EMOVALƫ s$6!7#" 0ROVIDER PICTOU COUNTY'S WEEKLY SINCE 1893 902-382-2033 Like us on Facebook Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Vol. 123, No. 14 OPEN 7 A.M. - 9 P.M. 91 WATER STREET, PICTOU Price $1.20 plus HST $R#HRISTINE*$ICKSON!U$ ƫ ƫ ƫ !UDIOLOGIST Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064799 www.pictouadvocate.com Big team spirit Strike up a team, join in the fun By Debbi Harvie [email protected] Mallory MacDonnell deals out cards for Jared O’Sullivan, left, and Erica Gagnon, centre, during the Wild West Casino Night held (Brimicombe photo) at Summer Street Industries on Saturday. INSET: Denise Sponagle prepares to drop a Plinko disc. Betting on a hit Casino Night a success By Heather Brimicombe [email protected] Special Olympics and Northern Region Respite Services hit the jackpot Saturday evening with another successful Wild West Casino Night fundraiser. The event brought hundreds through the doors of Summer Street Industries to try their hand at a few games of chance. With wheels of chance, Plinko, pan for gold and black jack, participants also had the chance to take part in live and silent auctions. “The funds raised are for the Pictou County Special Olympics and Northern Region Respite Services,” said Jennifer Wadden, one of the organizers. Funds will go toward helping out with various parts of the organization. “It goes toward athletes, registration and purchase of equipment,” said Wadden. “The funds raised here for Northern Respite go towards a summer recreation program, a family fun night and fun Fridays,” Wadden added. The crowd that was in attendance Saturday night was lively and excited to take part with a buzz in the room and smiling faces from everyone, regardless of winnings. “It draws people from Pictou, Antigonish and Truro,” she said. The event in total has been taking place more than 15 years and is still proving its success as a major fundraiser each year. The amount of funds raised this year has not yet been calculated, but from the attendance at the event, it looked like a successful night. “The total of funds raised will be known later this week, as we are waiting for some expense receipts to be turned in,” Wadden said. The wait is almost over. The 36th annual Bowl for Kids Sake event has arrived. The major fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters is taking place this Saturday at the Heatherlanes in New Glasgow and is on its way to being a successful event, which isn’t bad for a fundraiser that was only supposed to last five years, according to Margie Grant-Walsh, executive director. “We did the Wii bowling in the schools (last week); we are now in 10 schools and so far we seem to be up over last year,” explains Grant-Walsh. The Wii bowling raised approximately $7,600 last year and this year is sitting at around $8,000 with funds still coming in. The goal for this year’s bowl event is $60,000, down from last year’s $65,000 goal. “We are hoping to meet the $60,000 this year,” says GrantWalsh. “Last year we came in just under our goal, but we realize that times are tough for everyone.” Team numbers appear to be up this year as well, giving rise to hope that the goal will be met. New this year is the Scotiabanksponsored award in memory of Bunny Mason. “Bunny was one of our biggest supporters,” she notes. “She fundraised for all 35 of the past Bowl for Kids Sake events, but last year, she passed away on bowl day. So Scotiabank is sponsoring the most spirited award in her memory.” The theme for this year’s bowl event is Join the Team, so costumes or props associated with teams are encouraged. “We have prizes for best costumes, most spirited and of course, our prizes for top fundraisers.” New this year will be a photo booth at the event. Teams can still register by phoning 902-752-6260 or pop into the bowling alley during the event to donate. “We are tremendously thankful to live in this community with so much going on and so many great causes to support, that people choose to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County. Because of that support we are able to provide services for children in our community. Our numbers are up from last year. Last year we had a little over 200 children waiting to be matched but since January, we have made a number of new matches so we are reaching more children.” Big move for A&M Small Engines By Debbi Harvie [email protected] SCOTSBURN – Last week marked 31 years of business for A & M Small Engines. Currently located in Lyons Brook, the business has humble beginnings from its first location on Front Street in Pictou to what will be its new location at the former Scotsburn creamery in Scotsburn. The new location will give A & M Small Engines at least five times the space they currently have, allowing for an expansion of the business. “Our show room will be a lot larger; at our previous location it was difficult to show all of the products because we didn’t have enough space,” explains Mary Allan and Mary Fraser of A & M Small Engines stand in front of the former Scotsburn creamery in Scotsburn, now the new location of A & M Small Engines. The business will be setting up (Harvie photo) shop this month at the new location. Fraser, co-owner of the business. Allan Fraser, co-owner, notes, “We would spend 45 minutes a day moving things in and out to make room in the shop; now we can just concentrate on customer service.” Along with the new show- rating 70 Years in Busines s Celeb Your Home Town Insurance Specialist • Home • Auto • Commercial • Boat • Travel • Life Insurance 22 GEORGE ST, PICTOU AAMUNRO.COM room there is also space for a warehouse for storage of items. Allan Fraser says he has had his eye on the location for some time now, with it sitting empty the last five years, and made an offer on the building. “We didn’t want to see it be torn down,” says Mary. “It’s a well-built, sturdy building.” The building will also allow them to have their office onsite instead of out of their home and they plan to move the antique museum they have on their property to the new business. “We have an antique museum we opened to the public for one day in 2012 as a fundraiser for Bethel church. There was a huge amount of interest in our collection, so we have decided to Continued on page 15 We can help re-build your credit using our huge buying power with DOOEDQNVDQGFUHGLWXQLRQV On-site Parts Sales including vehicle Accessories and clothing. 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APRIL 8 Help support the NEXT EXIT 2016 PICTOU LOBSTER CARNIVAL $100 from every vehicle we sell from our Pictou Location between January and June will be given to the 2016 Pictou Lobster Carnival APRIL 9 9 WATER STREET, PICTOU | 902 485-4500 Ceilidh Honda Powerhouse 393 Westville Road, New Glasgow 902-755-9663 mmm$Y[_b_Z^^edZW$YWiWb[i6Y[_b_Z^^edZWfem[h^eki[$YW honda.ca www.fattonysbarandgrill.com 2 Community The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com Rotary club serving up slice of fundraiser at pizza festival Outgoing Pictou County Chamber of Commerce board member and former president David Freckelton received a framed commemorative hockey scene from incoming president Nancy MacConnellMaxner last week during the luncheon that followed the Chamber’s annual meeting at Summer Street. By Debbi Harvie [email protected] (Goodwin photo) Chamber prez implores better view of county By Steve Goodwin [email protected] NEW GLASGOW – Embracing partnerships is a way to help Pictou County grow, Nancy MacConnell-Maxner says. “Connecting people, connecting communities – we make progress and good things happen,” MacConnell told those gathered for the luncheon that followed the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting at Summer Street. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming adventure with the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce. I’m excited to see what the next year will bring.” MacConnell-Maxner is the chamber’s incoming president and says she looks forward to her new responsibilities and Pictou County’s future. She outlined some of the recent partnerships the chamber has achieved, such as the combined effort to build a new administrative home for the Pictou Landing First Nation, One Pictou County, PictouAntigonish Regional Library, Pulse Pictou County and Engage Nova Scotia. “We made sure we were creating partnerships, working together,” she said. “The heart of our county is our people.” MacConnell-Maxner alluded to the annual musical being Nice Work if You Can Get It, present- NEW GLASGOW – The smell is distinct. Anyone from Pictou County would recognize it immediately. The spicy pepperoni, the bubbling cheese and the piece de resistance, the brown sauce; you guessed it, Pictou County pizza. In celebration of everything that is good in Pictou County, the New Glasgow Rotary Club is hosting its third annual pizza festival, but this year it has a twist. “The last few years, the focus has been more on competition between the restaurants, this year it’s less about competition and more about celebrating Pictou County pizza,” explains Gary Hollett, co-chairman of the pizza festival. Previously located at Glasgow Square, the event has been moved to the Pictou County Wellness Centre to accommodate its growing popularity. “We have a little more space to work with. There will be eight pizzerias on site as well as live entertainment, a raffle table and a Chase the Pizza trivia table. People have the opportunity to answer 15 to 20 questions about pizza in general and Pictou County pizza for the chance to win free pizza for a year,” notes Hollett. The idea of the festival is to continually grow it so that it is not just a one-day event, but spread out over many days. “Our vision is to develop it into a two-day if not week-long event with the focus on Pictou County pizza, making this a destination choice for people who want to experience pizza in Pictou County." For those who attend, the $25 ticket, in advance, will give attendees the opportunity to try up to eight different pizzas as well as receive a complimentary Uncle Leo’s beer. Underage? No problem. The event is family-friendly so those under 19 can get a soda to go with their pizza. The event will take place on April 23 from 7 to 10 p.m. Vendors include Acropole Pizza, Cafe Italia, Crossroads Country Market, Greco Pizza, Jessy’s Pizza, Pictou County Pizza, Sobeys Westside Pizza and the Original Sam’s Pizza. “All funds raised will go toward New Glasgow Rotary Club projects like the many local projects we have here in the community and the international programs we support as well. This is a great opportunity to come out and have some fun and support a good cause.” Last year the event sold close to 230 tickets and the hope this year is to sell out at 300 tickets. There will be a cash bar and tickets at the door are $30. “We are really trying to claim Pictou as the pizza capital of Canada and so we really want to focus on the county being a destination for a pizza festival.” ed by the Rotary Club of Pictou last week at the deCoste Entertainment Centre in Pictou, to illustrate what the county has to offer in many ways, besides the arts. “Sometimes, we think we have to go (elsewhere) for these experiences, but the caliber of the play is like what you would see in larger centres,” she said. Besides MacConnell-Maxner, the executive includes vice-president Malcolm Houser and treasurer Michael Corkum. New board members include Jim Bate, Tyler MacLane and Blair VanVeld. Outgoing board members include David Freckelton, Jim Fitt and Nick MacGregor. Miller calls for more innovation By Steve Goodwin ANNIVERSARY ANTICS Beatrice Ryan as Red Rose, shows off an outfit fit for afternoon tea – complete with teapot purse – during a hilarious fashion show put on for the 55 Plus Club anniversary in New Glasgow last Friday. (Brimicombe photo) [email protected] NEW GLASGOW – Nova Scotia can succeed with more innovation, immigration and economic inclusion, Bernie Miller says. Speaking at the luncheon following the annual general meeting of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce, Miller said the province’s future progress will also depend on complete broadband service in the province, as well as more exports of goods and services and great youth attraction. “We are seeing green shoots of opportunity,” he said, noting youth unemployment has fallen from nearly 20 per cent to less than 16 per cent in the last two years. Miller is senior executive advisor for the Nova Scotia government’s executive council. Until February he was deputy minister of Planning and Priorities and was closely connected to the development of We Choose Now: a Playbook for Nova Scotians. He described the report named Now or Never presented two years ago by the commission chaired by Ray Ivany as a wakeup call for Nova Scotians who want to preserve its good points. “If we want things to stay the same, the things we like about Nova Scotia, we have to change,” he said “We can’t change the fact, CORRECTION The operators of the Downtown Book Exchange in New Glasgow include coowners John and Jane Wile, Outgoing chamber board member Nick MacGregor, left, stands with guest speaker Bernie Miller at the luncheon that followed the chamber’s AGM in New Glasgow. (Goodwin photo) so we need to change our thinking.” He said an aging population is a good thing, given the skill sets and other gifts seniors can contribute to society. “Aging is not the problem but part of the solution,” he said. “Every society in the world, with few exceptions, is experiencing what Nova Scotia is experiencing. People coming out of poverty are having fewer children.” Miller said the One Nova Scotia initiative that followed the Ivany report has produced new thinking that can help the province. Examples include invigorating young people and attracting them to the workforce – including African Nova Scotians and First Nations young people. A prosperous Nova Scotia will have more permanent residents and more foreign students remaining in the province He also cited the need for more post-secondary research partnerships. “Our biggest impediment is a lack of a shared vision,” he said. their children Erin, Ellen and Russell, and Ellen’s boyfriend Kyle Conrad. The Advocate erroneously described Erin and Russell as spouses. John Wile has a background in heat pumps and ventilation. The Advocate apologizes for the error. The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com ♦ for a successful future August trial scheduled on seven charges By Heather Brimicombe [email protected] session of a weapon for a dangerous purpose as well as breaking and entering and committing a crime and two counts of mischief. Cameron, who was present in Provincial Court on Monday morning, has had his trial for the indictable charges put over for trial on August 9 of this year. Accused denies guilt; trial set for July 11 PICTOU – A 19-year-old man is facing three charges after a March 9 incident in Coalburn. Denzel Jordan is facing one charge of pointing a firearm, namely a pellet gun, at someone, as well as being at large on an undertaking and uttering threats. Jordan was present in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. His trial has been set for July 11 of this year. Assault charge denied PICTOU – A Rocklin woman appeared in Provincial court on Monday to face an assault charge. Katlyn Borden, 24, was charged following a February 2 incident that occurred in Priestville. Borden entered a plea of not guilty to the single count and will return to court on July 12 for her trial. Trial set on three charges PICTOU – A local senior will stand trail on three charges from three separate incidents. Michael Paul Hatfield, 64, of Coalburn has entered not guilty pleas to one charge of theft under $5,000 as well as one count of operation of a motor vehicle while disqualified and a failure to appear charge. Hatfield will return to court on July 26 for his trial. 3 Helping to dress COURT BRIEFS PICTOU – A Central West River man had a court appearance regarding seven charges he is facing after an incident in Trenton on January 22. Tyler Clark Cameron, 21, is charged with one count of assault, one count of assault with a weapon, uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death, pos- Community Sharlane MacLeod made her fashion debut recently at Toronto Fashion Week with this winter coat she designed, featuring (Submitted photo) rug-hooked panels. A good first impression can make a mark when entering the work force. An initiative at the Nova Scotia Community College campus located in Stellarton is hoping to help local students make a good first impression with how they dress when entering the workforce for work terms. “The idea actually came from one of our faculty members, Anne McDonah,” said Nicole MacDonald, a business administration student and part of the Enactus group that organized the Dress for Success event. The group invited a few local clothing vendors to join in the small sale that took place at the campus last week. The sale included shoes, clothes from the vendors and a rack of donated clothing from students and staff. “We are doing it as a fundraiser as well,” said MacDonald. The money that was raised from the event will go toward the Enactus group which is plan- ning on putting funds to use by building a raised garden bed at the local Roots for Youth House in New Glasgow. The gardens will go toward providing fresh food as well as teaching participants valuable skills. Other funds raised will go towards a trip to Toronto for the group so they can compete in a larger competition for project ideas. As for the clothing sale aspect of Dress for Success, MacDonald said she has heard “really good things,” so far from students about the idea. “They like to see the businesses here,” she said. A Truro campus professor was also in attendance to help students in Dress for Success, as it is part of one of the classes she teaches at her campus. Cosmetology students were also in attendance to do hair assessments and give advice. As a first for the event, it showed the signs of a popular idea with students on campus and MacDonald said it is likely it will return again next year. “We were hoping to continue it in the fall,” she said. Bright lights, big fashion Fashion designer with local roots makes her debut at Toronto Fashion Week Nicole MacDonald of the Nova Scotia Community College's Pictou Campus Enactus group takes a look through some of the staff and student donated clothing during the first Dress for Success event the Enactus group hosted as a fundraiser (Brimicombe photo) last week. By Heather Brimicombe [email protected] Falconer appeal denied The appeal of convicted murderer Christopher Alexander Falconer has been denied by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. Falconer applied for an appeal in November of last year to have his charges quashed and a new trial to be held. In his application, Falconer stated his grounds for appeal were that the conviction was ”tainted with legal error.” He argued that some of the evidence put forth was not dealt with correctly. “The trial judge erred in his instructions to the jury by conflating formal admissions with informal admissibility concessions and thereby inappropriately exposed the jury to legal rationales for admissibility,” the decision document says. The court concluded that the trial judge had not erred. Chief Justice Cartwright, writing for the full court noted, “To permit such a course could only lead to confusion. The idea of the admission of an allegation involves action by two persons, one who makes the allegation and another who admits it.” The document mentioned that the decision was made due to wording of the criminal code and it was apparent that there was no prejudice to the stipulation that content of some affidavits were admitted based on truth. Falconer was sentenced on a charge of first degree murder in 2014 and is facing one life sentence for the death of Pictou County woman Amber Kirwan. NEWS BRIEF ♦ Assisted dying session scheduled for Saturday STELLARTON – Physicianassisted dying will be the topic during a session on April 9 at Christ Anglican Church in Stellarton. The Anglican Churches of Pictou County (ACPC) are cohosting the event that is scheduled to start at 2 p.m., last two hours and feature four presenters and a question period. Rev. Darlene Jewers, who is ACPC rector, and Associated Priest Aidan Kingsbury have been planning the event. Kingsbury said the session is a response to pending new federal legislation in the wake of successful court challenges to the existing law. “We started thinking about this some time ago and have been working at it off and on since after Christmas,” Kingsbury said. “It’s all about the federal legislation. The more we worked at it, the more we decided this needed public attention.” The four presenters will include a medical doctor, a clergy person, someone to speak about hospital chaplaincy and the federal legislation and someone to speak about mental health issues. “They will speak and then we’ll open the floor to questions,” Kingsbury said. “It’s mainly designed, not for statements, but for information.” The bright lights and high fashion of Toronto Fashion Week met Pictou County this year as county native Sharlane MacLeod made her debut on the runway, practically opening this year’s Fashion Week. MacLeod, who attends George Brown College in Toronto, is in her final year of a fashion design course. She found herself with a chance for her design to see the runway at this year’s fashion week after entering a high visibility competition for students of five Toronto schools. “There was no real theme to it, but you have to use reflective material,” said MacLeod. To make it to the runway, her design made it in the top 10 designs from her school, and then was chosen as one of the top 12 out of approximately 50 designs. “I chose to do rug hooking and I cut up strips of reflective material,” said MacLeod about her unique design. The front, as well as part of the back of the winter coat she designed, featured rug-hooking panels. The only problem was, when MacLeod came up with the design, she didn’t know how to rug hook. “When I was younger, my mom started rug hooking but never really got into it,” said MacLeod about her inspiration for the quirky medium. “I had the idea that I wanted to do something with rug hooking and fashion.” After finding out that she had been chosen for the final stage of the competition, MacLeod returned to Pictou County for Christmas break and sought help from Joanne Russell, a friend's mother who had originally mentored her when she was learning to use a sewing machine. She then had to source rug hooking supplies in Toronto and get to work. “The rug hooking alone took about 80 hours,” said MacLeod. “I got much quicker at rug hooking!” In all, she estimates that aside from the rug hooking, it took her three days to complete the sewing portion of the Service trip helps teens appreciate all they have By Heather Brimicombe [email protected] Sharlane MacLeod on stage with the model wearing the coat MacLeod designed at Toronto Fashion Week. coat, as well as more time spent on creating patterns before any of the fabrication began. After all the work put into it, MacLeod found herself back stage at David Pecaut Square on March 14. “My garment was the first one down the runway on the first day of Fashion Week,” said MacLeod. “I literally opened Fashion Week,” she laughed. After having the full model treatment getting her makeup done backstage, MacLeod walked the runway with the model that was showing off her design. “When you’re walking out in the run through it was intimidating because the runway is way longer than you think,” she said. MacLeod also noted that the bright lights make it difficult to see or know where to look while making your way down the runway. Although she did not place in the competition, MacLeod is nonetheless ecstatic to have had the chance to debut her garment on the Toronto Fashion Week stage. “It was really cool,” she noted. Reflecting back on their time in Ecuador, some local teenagers are feeling pretty lucky for all that they have. Students from a few local schools took a service learning trip to Ecuador in March to work on building a school for a village that was in need. Most of them heard about the trip to Hatun-Urko, Ecuador by word of mouth and were interested in an adventure that would also grant them the opportunity to help those in need. “Being able to just enter the village where we built the school and see all the kids smiling at you, it was all very magical,” said Ross MacLeod, one of the students who participated. The trip was part of the group's Me to We initiative and was coordinated though Education First tours, which also allowed the students, while not working on the school they were building to experience the country around them. While there, they had the opportunity to visit local markets, enjoy nature hikes as well as experience local culture with a local shaman as well as traditional dancers from the local culture. Some had the opportunity to try things like raw grubs, or fresh cocoa. The local group was the first group of students to arrive at the site and had the opportunity to see their project come together from the digging of the foundation to parts of the building being erected and the concrete being readied to pour. They were also immersed in the experience by having the chance to interact with the local children who would be attending the school they were building. “It really opened my eyes to what I have back here," said Kaelan Daley. Others who attended were quick to agree with her sentiment. “We take a lot for granted,” said Gabby Link. The students all agreed that it had certainly changed their perspective on their lives and they would recommend the experience to anyone else who might be thinking about a similar trip. RCMP seek public assistance in B&E investigation PLYMOUTH – Pictou County RCMP is seeking public assistance to solve a break and enter into a Plymouth business last week. Police say between 6 p.m. on March 29 and 7 a.m. on March 30, an unknown number of suspects entered Sharpe's Ultramar on East River Road by breaking the operation's glass service door. They then took approximately $700 in cash from the register. RCMP is asking anyone who may have witnessed this crime, or has information about this crime or the suspect(s), to call the RCMP at 902-755-4141 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477), or text TIP202 + your message to 'CRIMES' (274637). You can also access Secure Web Tips at www. crimestoppers.ns.ca. The investigation is ongoing. 4 Community The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com Students show talents at regional science fair By Steve Goodwin [email protected] STELLARTON – More than 100 students of various ages shared their passion and skills last week during the 2016 Chignecto East regional science fair at Nova Scotia Community College. Students were asked to compose projects based on the use of materials and describing the statements, procedures or hypotheses used and the conclusions they drew from the process. Besides Pictou County elementary, middle and senior high schools, competing students also represented schools in Tatamagouche and Pugwash. “It’s interesting to see the enthusiasm the students show, even from an early age,” said Parker Wong, a retired educator and one of the science fair committee members. There were 103 students involved with 85 projects from 11 schools from elementary to high school. The fair featured an earlymorning setup and judging through the morning and special judging for middle and high school students during the after- noon last week. Awards were presented during a ceremony on Thursday. Among the displays was one for an experiment for dairy and other drinks called Hop off Pop, presented by Brett Stroud and Joey Bryce, which they said took nine days to complete. They are Grade 3 students at G.R. Saunders Elementary School in Stellarton. Morgan Coulet, a Grade 10 student at Pictou Academy, displayed her project called Bread plus Water equals Mold. She said her work took 12 days. Meanwhile, Dawn Giles, a Grade 8 student at West Pictou Consolidated School, took from December to February to gather information and compose it on the Effects of Electronic Technology. Among awards presented, Hannah Parks from North Nova Education Centre received the Dalhousie award and Megan Fraser from Northumberland Regional High School received the Saint Mary’s award. Parks also received one of the awards for best display and earned a $1,500 scholarship to Dalhousie, while Fraser earned a $2,000 scholarship to St. Francis Xavier University. Fraser was first and Parks second in the category for best Mind Matters changes lives By Debbi Harvie [email protected] From left: Hannah Parks from North Nova Education Centre received the Dalhousie award and Megan Fraser from Northumberland Regional High School received the Saint Mary’s award at the 2016 Chignecto East regional science fair at Nova Scotia Community College. (Goodwin photo) application of scientific method. Fraser’s The Science of Seaweed project also earned her a fisheries award. Sarah Khan of NRHS was second in the Grade 10 to 12 category. Khan also received an award for most original project. Jade Butler of Trenton Middle School was first and Ella Parsons of New Glasgow Academy was second in the Grade 8 section. Sarah Higdon of NGA earned the best French oral presentation award. Willem Fraser of G.R. Saunders school received the Gary Mingo Memorial award for best technology/engineering project in a primary/junior category, while Morgan Coulet of NRHS received an honour- able mention among middle and high school awards. Elementary school awards included first place awards to G.R. Saunders students: Willem Fraser in Grade 6, Katey Aucoin in Grade 5 and Lucy Copan in Grade 4. Mallory Matlock was second in Grade 5 and fellow Saunders students Kate Stroud and Grace Strachen were second in Grade 4. Pictou Elementary students also received awards: Bella Teed and Bobbi Shaw-Gosselin for best display and Carys Mason and Oceanna Campbell for most original. They received honourable mentions, as did Joey Bryce and Brett Stroud from G.R. Saunders. ALMA – Sunethra Kaiprath had no idea she would be changing lives when she embarked on a journey of bringing spiritual enlightenment to Pictou County. Last year, Kaiprath organized Mind Matters, a one-day event where Brahmachari Dayamrita Swami, a senior disciple of World Religious Peace Leader AMMA, was brought in to speak to residents of Pictou County. The event was very well attended and Kaiprath is still seeing a rippling effect from the event which has spurred her to organize it again this year. David Hamilton was not able to attend the event last year, but in the short time leading up to the event, he was introduced to AMMA and he says it has changed his life. “I was so negative,” he says. “I feel like I’m finally at peace. In the short time I’ve been introduced to AMMA, it did a lot of things, like brought me to a spiritual healer and taught me about unconditional love.” Kaiprath says that is what AMMA is all about, love and compassion. In fact, Hamilton was so moved that he began writing poems for the first time ever and now has a compilation of 33 that he is making into a book. “I sent two of my poems to India with (Kaiprath and her parents) and they showed them to AMMA who said this is what the world needs,” says Hamilton. The poems have been a journey of healing for Hamilton allowing him to focus on the positive. “It felt so nice to hear the program and the whole concept of AMMA has touched people so much,” says Kaiprath. That is why she is organizing another Mind Matters event for May 14 and 15 at Northumberland Regional High School. The first day will run 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. and the second day, focused more on meditation and yoga technique, will run 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. “The goal is to introduce ourselves (Pictou County) as a hub spot,” explains Kaiprath. “AMMA travels around the world, we are the first area in Atlantic Canada to start these gatherings... the hope is that in the future this area could become a potential stop on AMMA’s tour.” The Mind Matters event is not religion-based, it is open to all walks of life and all beliefs. “It will take a long time to get her (AMMA) here, when she travels to Toronto, she has an entourage of 500,000 people.” Last year, the event was attended by people as far away as Quebec and this year volunteers are coming from across the province. Kaiprath was born in Toronto but moved to the county with her family in 2004. After graduating high school, she went on to university and medical school, taking time to practise medicine Continued on page 5 The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com • MOU SESSIONS • Rough ride during Eureka session By Steve Goodwin [email protected] EUREKA – Few of the more than 100 people who attended an MOU information session last week have good things to say about it. The meeting was one of two that night as part of a preliminary list of 16 scheduled meetings to examine various parts of the memorandum of understanding that would lead to amalgamation of the Municipality of Pictou County and the towns of New Glasgow, Pictou and Stellarton. Coun. Debbie Wadden who, with Warden Baillie, represents the rural municipality on the MOU steering committee, led the opening presentation, while she and Baillie fielded questions and comments during the session that lasted more than two hours. Wadden said the MOU has prompted the province to freeze tax rates and inject $69.21 million over five years for infrastructure and other projects that include Residents eager for information on the MOU meet in Eureka to (Goodwin photo) listen to the presentation. extending sewer lines in MacLellan’s Brook. “By working together, we can get that work done,” she said. She said fire departments in the four amalgamating units will be intact because they have a mutual aid system that works very well. "The way they work today is the way they will work tomorrow,” she said. Wadden said the MOU mandates a five-year, in-depth study to be conducted on policing in the four units. In response to one question, she said Pictou County is copying amalgamations that were foisted on areas elsewhere in Nova Scotia, such as HRM and CBRM. Community 5 ON GUARD FOR THEE “It’s made in Pictou County,” she said. “It’s voluntary.” Baillie responded to a question about rural municipal grants, saying they will remain and adding that other units have considered applying a similar grant system. “They are going to adopt our standard,” he said. “The municipal grant system works very well, the area rate system works.” District 12 resident Don MacKenzie repeated his remarks on a straw vote he took in a board room where the spectators gathered while council met in-camera in February when council agreed to continue the MOU process. “Let’s have a vote (on the MOU at last week’s meeting),” he said. “You will have that opportunity on May 28,” Baillie said, referring to the plebiscite scheduled for the four participating units. Three more rural sessions are scheduled for this week, including one tonight at 7 p.m. at the Caribou District Fire Hall. The others are Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in both Abercrombie and Lismore. New Glasgow residents satisfied with answers By Debbi Harvie [email protected] NEW GLASGOW – The town’s Ward One residents seem satisfied with the information provided at the recent MOU session last week. Lisa MacDonald, CAO for New Glasgow and MOU steering committee member, noted that amalgamation has been discussed in some form or another in Pictou County since 1889. “It’s about building a better, stronger Pictou County,” she told the 20 people in attendance. The MOU was designed to address the current issues the county is facing in terms of declining population, aging demographic and declining economic prosperity. MacDonald highlighted some of the preconditions that were part of the MOU including the county’s request for no increase in taxes over the next five years, which has been spread out to all participating municipalities; New Glasgow’s request for no reduction in services, which has also been adjusted to include all participating municipalities; Pictou’s request for fair and equitable capital investment and Stellarton’s request to have the Albion Business Park’s debt paid for by the new regional municipality's revenue stream. The 18 rural fire departments will remain as is, paid for through an area rate and the other three town fire departments will remain, also paid through an area rate. With equalization remaining the same, over the next five years, the new municipality will see $10.45 million in drinking water upgrades, $8.35 million in buildings, $26.77 million in streets, sidewalks and street lights, $16.66 million in sanitary sewer, $1.4 million on fleet, $3.8 million for recreation and culture, $0.93 million for storm water upgrades and $0.76 million for land. With that in mind, one attendee asked, “If everything is as black and white as it appears to be, why are the other towns not participating?” MacDonald responded, “In 2009, Westville asked for an amalgamation study and it took about a year and a half to agree on the terms of reference for the study, then another year for everyone to agree to pay $25,000 to match the province’s contribution for the study. In 2014, the minister of Municipal Affairs met with each council individually and then met with the councils together and disclosed that he didn’t feel like it was a good value for the province’s money because there didn’t seem to be consensus among the councils, so he took the money away but said he would support us if any two or more units wanted to come together.” New Glasgow Mayor Barrie MacMillan added, “We approached Pictou and the Municipality because we knew they were willing to do something, so the MOU was drafted. Trenton was asked to participate in writing the MOU and chose not to but (said they) would look at it positively when it came out. When the MOU was drafted everyone else was approached.” Residents also questioned the number of councillors per district and the fact that it will be districts instead of wards. Policing was also questioned, and residents were informed that there was a fiveyear window where the policing could be studied. One resident asked what happens after five years in terms of taxes? “It’s no different than today, we can’t guarantee your tax rates won’t increase next year,” noted MacDonald. Another questioned whether the plebiscite would be binding. Both MacDonald and Cam Beaton of Pictou Council noted that the plebiscite is a reflection of how the residents feel; if they do not want this to move forward, councillors will not vote for it to move forward. In response to what plan B is if this does not go through, MacMillan said it will be municipal election in October as usual. Mind Matters ... Continued from page 4 in India and get close to AMMA. “Naturally I try to bring positiveness to people. When I went away for school I saw people really suffering and it made me appreciate things more. People don’t often see everything that Pictou County has to offer, especially those from here... there is so much potential.” Kaiprath says she has lived in other rural communities in Canada, but there seems to be something about this county that people don’t grasp with all that it has to offer. “I often wonder why people think it is so bad. I want this to be a movement here where people can become more motivated... Having that faith and motivation on a daily basis will help the mindsets and the future of the county; there is so much booming potential.” The idea of Mind Matters is to break barriers and bring people together with acceptance and respect. Chrisoula Wong is also helping organize this year’s event and she says it is “a gathering for one day where people can come and be themselves.” Kaiprath adds, “It’s a very informal, relaxing atmosphere, it’s a family-friendly event.” For more information visit the Facebook page Amma NovaScotiaMindMatters PictouCounty. MacLean & MacDonald Barristers & Solicitors Ian H. MacLean, Q.C., LL.B. Leo I. MacDonald, C.D., B.A., LL.B (Counsel) 90 Coleraine Street, Pictou, NS 902-485-4347 Karla MacFarlane MLA, Pictou West 902-485-8958 [email protected] Office: 25B Front St., Pictou Hours: Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm From the left, Chrisoula Wong, Sunethra Kaiprath and David Hamilton display a sign that was created at last year’s Mind Matters event. The sign was taken to India and blessed by AMMA. The next Mind Matters event will take place May 14 and (Harvie photo) 15 at Northumberland Regional High School. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Pictou County Military Museum and The Advocate are teaming up to present 'On Guard for Thee', a series of profiles of some of the local men and women who have served this country in times of conflict. The project is the brainchild of Vincent Joyce, founder and president of the Pictou County Military Museum, who has generously supplied all of the photos and military records of the individuals who will be featured weekly in The Advocate. This profile and many others are available for purchase as a fundraiser for The Pictou County Military Museum. Discs of the military profiles that have already appeared in The Advocate can be purchased for $25. Each CD contains 80 pictures and profiles, 40 unit pictures and military poems. Contact The Military Museum at 396-2194, 2020 Queen Street, Westville. #WelcomeRefugees Concerned about the refugee crisis and want to get involved? The following groups and individuals can help: CAiRN (Communities Assisting Refugees Now): Mary-Beth Moriarity at Pictou United Church (Phone: 902485-8081). Email: [email protected]. Rebecca McKenna (Phone: 902-485-1417). Email: [email protected]. Facebook: www.facebook.com/CAIRNCommunitiesAssistingRefugeesNow Alta Munro, [email protected] Nanda Shirke, Pictou County Multicultiral Association (Phone: 902-695-6383). Email: [email protected]. Safe Harbour, [email protected] Meeting the homecare needs of the community... in homes, hospitals and care facilities. • Housekeeping • Transportation & Errands • Post-Op Care • Respite Care • Meal Preparation • 24 Hour Care • Palliative Care • Companionship • Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care • Medication Monitoring Authorized Provider with Veterans Affairs, WCB and Personal Insurance 1-888-851-4777 www.earthangelshomecare.ca Flexible, compassionate, respectful, bonded caregivers. 6 Opinion The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com County does produce jobs Pictou County can do better. It has the capacity to raise its game. That was the message from newly-elected Pictou County Chamber of Commerce president Nancy MacConnellMaxner as she addressed those attending the luncheon that followed the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting last Thursday in New Glasgow. She talked about “connecting people, connecting communities” and it was more about how she said it more than what she said that was so refreshing and rang so clearly The partnerships outlined by her and chamber executive director Jack Kyte between the chamber and groups such as Pictou Landing First Nations, where a state-of-the-art administration building is nearing completion under a partnership with the chamber, Pictou Landing and MacGregors Industrial Group. Kyte also cited One Pictou County, Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library, Pulse Pictou County and Engage Nova Scotia are worthy ones. They dovetail with points presented by guest speaker Bernie Miller: Broadband service, exports, youth attraction, innovation, immigration and economic inclusion. Miller referred to the entire province and how all those points also apply to Pictou County. More than a decade after a pledge to blanket the province with High Speed Internet and cell phone access, we don’t have it in all of Pictou County. It’s past time we did. Economic inclusion to Miller means less red tape for business, fewer obstacles to meet codes and standards. One senses that Miller’s comment about “seeing the green shoots of opportunity” is a theme being espoused by Premier Stephen McNeil as the date for his government’s 2016-17 budget on April 19 approaches. Will it be less painful and more acceptable than last year’s was? A rising number of examples illustrate how exports and innovation are part of the equation in Pictou County. They tend to be smaller employers, but one can imagine how doubling the total would benefit the area and its residents. Growing the local economy will depend on how good we are at creating jobs that currently do not exist. One can consider the new opportunities developed by companies such as the Advocate, MacGregors, I. Matheson, Stark and Velsoft. Some of the jobs didn’t exist 25 years ago. Some didn’t exist 10 years ago. There is the potential for future jobs that we can’t even guess at now. Pictou County’s people need to adapt to changing times and new opportunities. A static mindset will ensure us that we will miss that chance. Good health is not just about what we eat and how physically active we are. The over-riding requirement is a nimble mind. Then we can seize the day. Steve Goodwin VISIT US ON The Pictou Advocate The Advocate Letters Policy The Advocate accepts only signed letters, no pseudonyms are accepted. To verify authenticity, writers are requested to submit their daytime telephone numbers. We reserve the right to edit letters but do so only for length, proper grammar, spelling and good taste. Please keep letters to 250 - 300 words, or less. We reserve the right to not publish letters. The opinions expressed in any Letters to the Editor are the opinions of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Advocate. Deadline for letters to the Editor is Thursdays at 5 p.m. EDITOR Jackie Jardine 902-759-0307 [email protected] FLASHBACK ♦ BESSIE MACKENZIE MACMASTER MACAULAY Bessie MacKenzie MacMaster MacAulay, on the right, enjoyed water from the Green Hill Spring in 1944. Sister Edith, their mother Catherine and Bessie lived nearby at their Elm Valley Farm in Durham. Bessie began her teaching career at the age of 17 in Upper Mount Thom School and retired in 1971 from Patterson Elementary School after 38 years of teaching. Bessie A. MacAulay, age 104 of Seafoam, died at Glen Haven Manor in New Glasgow on Friday, April 10, 2015 (Submitted by the Pictou Historical Photograph Society. Go to www.pictouphotos.ca/NovaStory.ca to view these and 1,800 more Pictou photos. Check out their Facebook page.) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ◆ Status quo is a precursor to change To the Editor: Over the past few weeks talk about the future of our region's local governments has taken on a life of its own. The talk is focused on the proposal for municipal reform by the Municipality of Pictou County and three towns (New Glasgow, Pictou and Stellarton). This is an emotional debate for many in our county. It took us over a century to get to this point. There’s a lot of history and pride in our communities. As a resident of Pictou County I’m proud of our communities and see this pride of place in everyone in the region. Passion and emotion was evident at the recent Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board hearings. There was a lot of discussion about the long histories of our neighbouring communities at the UARB meetings. The plebiscite ballot box question is about our future and not our past. My experience with the amalgamation question spans my two terms on Municipal Council. I understand the negative response towards this change. During my first term on council, my initial reaction was a resounding no to the idea. This was a reaction not unlike what is being published and presented to the public by those against the present proposal. Looking through the lens of hindsight, I now believe I was wrong. It was based in assumptions not fact. So what changed my view on REPORTER Steve Goodwin (902) 301-0724 [email protected] the subject of a change in governance? First, the failure in getting all six units to agree to a governance study partially funded by the provincial government. The new Liberal government pulled their funding off the table because of this lack of consensus. This failure highlighted the inertia with our local governments to move our region forward. The second and more compelling reason is our local government can’t ignore the fiscal challenges facing local governments across Nova Scotia. Places like Parrsboro, Springhill and Hantsport voluntarily decided to dissolve. We could let outside interests from Halifax determine our future through impending dissolutions or we could be proactive and create a “Made in Pictou County” solution for our region. With this backdrop it was obvious we needed to be proactive in our approach for the future of our region. The status quo is not an option, it’s simply a prelude to change. The Municipality of Pictou County was a signatory on to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and was at the table for the first meeting in December 2014. The MOU is the framework agreement to look at forming a regional government. Over the past two years, this public process was headed by an MOU Steering Committee. This committee was headed by REPORTER REPORTER Heather Brimicombe 902-301-1653 Debbi Harvie 902-301-5997 [email protected] [email protected] the Mayors and Warden along with one councillor from each of the four councils. The work of the MOU Steering Committee was an open and transparent process. All of the MOU Steering Committee meetings were open to the public. Information, reports and meeting minutes are posted on the www.onepictoucounty.ca website. Social media platforms were also provided for people to gather information and follow the process. And if residents didn’t have access to these electronic forms of communication they could request printed copies from their respective municipality. There were many public meetings throughout the Municipality to discuss the process and explain the different studies. The MOU was discussed at District ratepayers meetings. The steering committee met with interested and engaged groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Pictou County 20/20 and Pulse Pictou County. A lot of work went into this proposal for residents and ratepayers to review and provide comment. A lot of work in a short period of time. As a municipal councillor, I have also taken time to discuss this issue on a one-to-one basis with residents when questions arose. More recently the Utility and Review Board held public hearings on the application for amalgamation of the four municipalities. We heard from people on both sides of the issue. Emotions aside, the facts speak for themselves, this is our one chance to create a made in Pictou County solution for our region. This is why it’s important to get out to the public meetings to learn more about the proposal you will be voting on at the plebiscite on May 28. I believe the work the MOU Steering Committee has done and the studies submitted to the UARB is worthy of consideration. The findings and solutions in this amalgamation proposal protect the rural ratepayers and provide the foundation for a successful regional government. It’s important we gather all of the facts and make an informed decision. This week community district meetings started. A full listing of dates is located on the www.onepictoucounty.ca website. For residents in District 11 a public session will be held at the Plymouth Fire Department on March 31 at 6:30 p.m. As a municipal councillor, I understand the strong reaction on both sides of this proposal. It’s time for us to get the facts and make your voice known for the future of our region. Andy Thompson Deputy Warden, Municipality of Pictou County Councillor, District 11 REPORTER ADVERTISING SALES [email protected] [email protected] Aaron Cameron 902-759-7141 Silvia Schaaf 902-301-2554 SUBS CRIBE NOW! Published each Wednesday by Advocate Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd. 21 George Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0 Phone: 902-485-8014 Fax: 902-752-4816 www.pictouadvocate.com Publisher: Fred Fiander [email protected] Office Hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 2013 CCNA BLUE RIBBON Mail this form with payment to: The Advocate PO Box 1000, 21 George Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0 Name: Address: CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013 Copyright 2016. Editorial and advertising published in The Advocate may not be reproduced in any form without prior approval of the publisher. The views and opinions in the newspaper by contributors and/or correspondents do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the management. Not responsible for the safety or condition of unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. 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I understand Pictou Town, the rural county, New Glasgow and Stellarton are expected to join in this union. Westville and Trenton seem to have other ideas. Their reasons for rejecting union at this time are worthy of consideration. I believe they have the right of the matter. I oppose the wider union for several reasons. 1. A union of the municipalities would be a step further removed from the concept of direct democracy. In most cases citizens now know their elected municipal representatives. The elected persons may easily be engaged in discussion by individual citizens served. If an amalgamated council is created, its membership will be reduced, for efficiency sake if nothing else. The new larger municipal ridings will cause members of the public to be further removed from their elected representatives. The reduction in representation will not benefit the citizens, although the new remoteness may make the work of municipal government easier. The number circulated seems to be 10 + a mayor. This will contribute to the installation of elected officials from the average citizen. Such moves not good for democracy! Should Westville and/or Trenton later join the union, how will this affect the number of people elected to council? It would seen representation is deserved, yet any attempted rural-urban balance is upset. 2. The councillors in the new entity will have more responsibility. Their financial renumeration will probably increase and be justified by the greater responsibility and workload. The councillors will tend to lose the spirit of volunteerism and look upon their responsibility as a job. I believe the “job” aspect will cause the councillors to become task-orientated as opposed to people-orientated and the relationship between council members and citizens will diminish. 3. The services provided to rural citizens can not be equal to the services provided to the towndwelling citizens. The whole rural area of the county can not be provided with equal quality municipal service available to people in the towns. Sewage disposal, water delivery, recreational opportunities etc. are examples of areas where service under amalgamation will be unequal. Inequality of service provision is not acceptable. Mayor Savage made the point that equality of service was impossible throughout Halifax Municipality. How can it be different in Pictou County? 4. Taxation will be unfair in a united municipality. Rural citizens will be forced to pay taxes to assist finance of urban services. The sewage service is one service that the rural people will subsidize. It will be difficult to devise a system where rural residents without municipal sewage will not be expected to help cover urban sewage costs. Savage made the point Listen to the facts To the Editor: I am writing on behalf of Pulse Pictou County in support of the proposed amalgamation of the Municipality of the County of Pictou and the towns of Pictou, New Glasgow and Stellarton. I was born and raised in Pictou County, growing up in Durham, Pictou and Toney River and two years ago moved back home and currently reside in Durham while working in Pictou. While being away for five years for my education, I always spoke positively about my hometown and for me that hometown was always Pictou County as one. It made it easier for people to know where I was from and it was natural for me to consider it all as my home. The county offers so much to us that we need to start listening to the facts about it’s future. As a young professional with years of work ahead, the importance of growth and sustainability cannot be overstated and it needs to be the focus for our county moving forward. The benefits outlined with the One Vision for Pictou County such as operating surpluses of one million per year for the next five years, equitable division of governance and sixtynine million in capital investment projects are all extremely positive movements this county could benefit from. I was excited to move home and did not hesitate at establishing a life here because I know the good we have and the even better potential that is there. With that being said, we need to work for it and not stick to the status quo that is an inevitable decline. This unified movement is the exact step we need to be taking at a time of declining populations, aging demographics and a lagging economy to ensure our county evolves to the proper structure for municipal government and utilization of regional services. The MOU committee have been an exceptional resource this past year in educating our Pulse executive on the reform process and included us in several open discussions as it progressed. Their transparency in this project is admirable in an effort to educate the community at large on the steps required for this enormous task and most importantly on the facts found from their research. As an active member of Pulse Pictou County, our mission is to attract and retain a growing population of young working people by making the area a more engaging place to live and contribute. We are a growing network with a passion for our community and providing a voice for the young working people, both here and away, who call Pictou County home. That is why we participated in the recent community hearings in Stellarton and Scotsburn, to continue our mission of cheerleading for the county and showing our support for this positive change. We love Pictou County and want to see it thrive in the future, which is our future. We have all invested in the county in different ways and are set to see those investments through our careers and lifetime. We are always being told that we are the future, so now we are making sure our voices are heard at a time where the future of our county is being determined. We represent a minority demographic in this county, so we need to be a strong voice for that demographic because it is our future at stake. As a graduate of Northumberland Regional High School, I went through a school system that also saw unification in a similar way. It was built on the facts of a declining population and the principles of being able to provide proper funding while improving infrastructure. The same benefits we see outlined by the MOU. It brought together three very proud, independent communities and united them as one. This union was necessary and provided a brighter future for the students and I would only hope we see this unification as a way to brighten the future of our county. I know from first hand experience you don’t have to lose your hometown pride when brought together, but you are stronger when united with those who share the same goals. Our younger generation already thinks as one, whether it’s through school, sport or theatre we were brought up with the idea of Pictou County as one, so it seems only natural for that idea to become a reality. We have the opportunity for positive change in Pictou County. With all the negativity surrounding the state of our county and province in today’s economy, this voluntary application to unite our municipal regions is a chance for us to be leaders and show our adaptability to the challenges of today by being proactive before we are forced to be reactive. Pulse Pictou County will be an active supporter these coming months as we enter a critical time in determining the future of our county. Joel Cock Pulse Pictou County Pictou 7 Opinion The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com taxes would be as fair as possible. The admission made it clear that fairness is impossible. Taxes in rural areas are often lower than in adjoining towns. This means that eventually rural areas will suffer an undue proportion of taxes and tax increases resulting from amalgamation. 5. Snow removal has interesting implications. Towns remove snow while the province removes snow in rural areas. If the four municipalities become one, then this sets up a situation that invites downloading of provincial snow removal responsibility on the municipality. (The snow removal equipment presently owned by the urban Pictou County areas probably could not service the rural areas as well.) 6. Co-operation among the current municipal units could accomplish almost anything that could be done by a unified municipal unit. In fact the small units can provide a greater amount of consideration to a question than what the issue would receive from a singlemunicipalunit.Co-operation is better than assimilation. 7. Rural and urban history and interests are different. The traditions should not be fused by a premature municipal union. 8. Police service would be complicated in an enlarged municipality. The current proposal is mute on the point. Would the RCMP look after the whole county, or would the town forces be expanded? Would there be any change? 9. The lack of a generallyknown law enforcement plan reveals a major flaw in the current amalgamation process. Similar questions could be asked about fire protection, garbage removal and other services. The citizen is being asked to buy a pig in a poke. The whole plan should have been completed by a process of democratic consultation and made available for public examination before residents are asked to accept it. This lack of a complete public plan is totally unacceptable. Another option for creating an amalgamation proposal would have been to develop a plan with ground up public consultation from the beginning and all along the way. Solutions forced upon people from above are not acceptable. The people should have been asked to develop the plan, not accept a plan already in the can. 10. In a larger municipality with fewer elected representatives the voice of the minority opinion is more easily lost. (I mean this in the same sense that the small CCF provided the Canadian parliament with useful ideas while not being the governing party.) 11. A town council meeting in another part of the province made two relevant points. First, in general, the benefits (if any) of a municipal amalgamation could simply be achieved by municipal co-operation. Second, the chief driver for municipal union usually involves payment for capital projects. 12. If there is a general public demand for amalgamation, I do not see it. Milton Fraser Bridgeville Residents privileged to be served by MacMaster To the Editor: Ed MacMaster was not only the longest serving County councillor, he was one of the best councillors Pictou County has ever had. He ALWAYS put the people's interest first and foremost in the positions he took and in his actions. He was a fierce fighter for the bigger picture and the common good. His devotion and loyalty to the people of Pictou County was exceptional. The people of Pictou County were privileged to have his articulate, profound voice for as long as we did. Mary Gorman Merigomish 11:59 p.m. Paper ballet advanced poll starts NOON to 8 p.m. on Saturday 21 and again same times on Tuesday 24. Ordinary polling day May 28, paper ballet only 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Now having this many opportunities for residents to vote on the future of Pictou County, 80 per cent is a realistic number if you do care about your future. Regardless of your decision of either Yes or No, vote on the plebiscite for it is your future. Councillor Jim Turple District 6 To the editor: I’m going to try and make this as simple as possible so that perhaps even a past town councillor, March 30 edition, might understand information from my previous letter of March 23. The vote on May 28 plebiscite is open to every taxpaying citizen from the municipalities that opt to be in the MOU. Having said that there will be three ways for residents to cast their vote, “via phone, via computer or via ballet”. Information to follow. Using phone or Internet, advanced poll starts May 9 at 12:01 a.m. through to May 18 at Can't continue: amalgamation needed nity today to shape our future municipal governance in a way we Pictonians feel it would work the best for all of us. In addition, the provincial government is offering one-time financial incentives to assist all our communities in dealing with the current financial challenges we face and the upcoming costs of implementing the changes required as we shape our new municipality. I doubt if this opportunity will come again in the foreseeable future. As we look forward to passing on our community’s growth and development to the next generation, let us not hamper them with an impossible task. Our young people of today look at our county and its people in a different way then we did in our youth. The communication revolution keeps them in close contact with practically everyone in our County. They simply do not see the divisions we saw (and some still do) within this small and beautiful part of our province. After some consideration and study, I for one have come to the conclusion that indeed the time has come for change. The proposal to join our communities together is in my opinion the best gift we can pass along to our following generations. Together, we really are better. Dan Currie Pictou To the Editor: I had the privilege of serving on Pictou Town Council for nearly 20 years. From the 1970s to 2003, I spent time in each of these decades as a town councillor, deputy mayor and served as mayor from 1988 to 1991. During that time there were calls for our county to amalgamate and I vigorously opposed them arguing that we had plenty of people, money and provincial support to remain as independent municipal units. However, over the past number of years it has become obvious that things have changed. Our communities have become smaller, populations have declined and provincial financial support to our municipalities has steadily eroded. For instance, the Town of Pictou’s population has declined by about 20 per cent since I first served on council and a similar decline has been experienced across all of Pictou County. Clearly we cannot continue as in our past. We must consider a new model to pool our municipal resources and strengthen our ability to serve our citizens. I know change is always difficult, especially in long established and traditional communities like we have in Pictou County, but we owe it to ourselves and future generations to set aside our independent tendencies and work together. We have a unique opportu- ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 13 ... BUSINESS DIRECTORY DOWN TO EARTH ART GALLERY & fine framing ~ Since 1996 Quality, Creative Custom Picture framing. All work guaranteed forever. Wide range of price options. MONDAY - SUNDAY OPEN 10am-7pm PLAY, HAVE A KIDS EVENTS! SNACK, ENJOY 902-695-4FUN www.funtopiaplayground.ca THE FUN. 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FRIDAY 8 Arts & Entertainment The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com Back to nature signs of spring Singer-songwriter Erin Costelo will be performing at Glasgow Square on Saturday in support of the local refugee efforts. (Submitted photo) Costelo supports refugee cause By Aaron Cameron [email protected] Singer-songwriter Erin Costelo will be reconnecting with her New Glasgow roots this Saturday at Glasgow Square Theatre. The musician and educator spent a sizeable chunk of her childhood in New Glasgow where she received musical direction from teachers Janice and Andrew Alcorn. Costelo said that returning to the area and sharing the stage with the NNEC Jazz Choir feels like coming “full circle.” “It feels like I'm coming back around because I went to elementary and junior high school in New Glasgow,” Costelo said. Costelo spoke warmly about her seemingly “unaging” former teachers and the chance to collaborate with the next generation of Alcorns. “It's really nice to get to go back and work with their daughter Robyn who's directing the choir,” Costelo said. “It sort of feels like coming full circle in a way.” An educator herself, Costelo commented that among today's students the idea of being in a band or choir seems “cooler” than it was when she was growing up. “I think that they do have an opportunity to explore things and listen to music that I didn't have growing up,” Costelo said of students today. “You had to be able to go out and buy a record, now you can listen to it on YouTube or learn things on YouTube. I don't know that it's necessarily that they're more talented but I think that it's also become cooler, being in band or singing in choir. That's become cool now, I don't know that it necessarily was when I was in high school or junior high. I think it always was in New Glasgow with Andrew and Janice (Alcorn) but other places it was pretty nerdy.” Costelo will be performing material from her latest album, Down Below, The Status Quo. She produced the album herself at Joel Plaskett's New Scotland Yard studio in Dartmouth and while the fashionable person himself did not helm the product, Costelo did enlist Plaskett's usual engineer Thomas Stajcer for engineering duties. Costelo said the benefit to New Scotland Yard over other studios is in its design which sees the recording console, musi- cians, instruments and recording equipment all in one space. “As a result though, it makes things move along a lot quicker because you don't have to leave the room and go in and listen and back again,” Costelo explained. “You can listen in the space you're recording in and do another take right away. It creates a lot of creativity that way because things can move quickly. I really enjoy the space a lot.” Costelo said sparing strings, backing vocals and a few lead vocals as they suited the song were overdubbed, otherwise the lion's share of the album was recorded live in studio. “All the band stuff is live off the floor. The band is all in one room,” Costelo said, “so I didn't retake drums and retake bass and all that kind of stuff that was just live off the floor. And then the strings were overdubbed, the background vocals were overdubbed, some of my vocals are lead vocals with the band and some are not. It kind of depended on what was going to have the right energy for the song I guess.” Costelo said she had planned to make a fairly stripped, “easy to tour” album with simple arrangements, instead she created a “huge” album with Mental health focus of play The national award-winning Park Bench Players are coming to Pictou County for a special three-run showing of their production, With a Little Help From My Friends. The play is an entertaining tool to help educate, build mental health literacy and reduce stigma. The performances are made more poignant with a cast made up entirely of people who live with mental illness. Speaking on behalf of the troupe, executive producer Verna MacDonald says the play works on many levels, by challenging stereotypes and changing attitudes of the audience and at the same time improving the health and wellbeing of the cast. “The script was developed from the cast’s experiences and the themes of the play support patient safety and demonstrate the many blessings of friendship, courage and hope as vital to recovery and survival. It emphasizes and demonstrates that those who live with mental ill- ness are so much more than just their illness,” says MacDonald. “We are so pleased to be able to bring this play with its many important messages to our community,” says Ashlie Cormier, prevention and health promotion specialist with the Nova Scotia Health Authority. “This effort has been a true collaboration with community partners who care deeply about these issues. I strongly encourage everyone to come to this performance to gain a deeper detailed arrangements and a 12-person band including horns, strings and backing vocals. While the effort may have veered off the map she had laid out, Costelo has declared the final product to be the album that “sounds the most like me”. “(I think) part of it is age,” Costelo explained. “I'm a little bit older now and so I feel a little bit more comfortable in terms of the song-writing saying what's on my mind and giving my opinions and so this record tends to be a little bit more of the way I look at the world instead of sort of story telling love songs. And also in terms of the production I kind of allowed myself to bring in all of my influences.” Costelo said the album is effectively a protest album with the title Down Below, The Status Quo referring to the 99 per cent beneath the one-percenters and is a reflection of modern society and current events, including the refugee crisis. “Bringing in refugees is something that I really support,” Costelo said. Fittingly, Saturday's show will support the local refugee support programs CAiRN and Pictou County Safe Harbour. understanding of what it is like to live with a mental illness and how we can all work together to reduce stigma.” Two performances will be staged for students. An evening show for the general public will be at North Nova Education Centre on April 13 at 7 p.m. Admission is free but donations will be accepted to help keep the show on the road. Tickets are required since there is limited seating and are available at United Way, New Glasgow, or by calling (902) 755-1754. The evening is hoped to be entertaining, educational and inspiring. As the snow starts to melt away in most parts of Pictou County, Mother Nature gives us a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether you want to learn more about nature through a program, or you want to learn more about making your own springtime adventure – stop into your public library or visit us online at www.parl.ns.ca. We have a number of books in various formats, as well as DVDs and Blu Rays that families can borrow from the library to get down to earth with. One to mention is Earth, the sequel: the race to reinvent energy and stop global warming by Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn. In this book Krupp, long-time president of the Environmental Defense Fund, and Horn feature the bold innovators and investors who are reinventing energy and the ways we use it. Another one on the shelves is Building soil: a down-to-earth approach: natural solutions for better gardens & yards written by Elizabeth Murphy. Down to earth with a little help from Pictou County Solid Waste! Thanks to Marla from Pictou County Solid Waste, we have a bunch of fun Earth Day-related programs for all ages at some of our library locations. Today, April 6 in the Westville Library she’ll be showing people how to transform t-shirts into fabulous reusable bags at 2:30 p.m., then at 3:30 p.m. demonstrate how to turn old T-shirts into stylish infinity scarves. T-shirts will be provided. For the little kids, on Friday, April 22 at 2 p.m. in the Pictou Library she will be introducing ‘Pattie Pitter’ and the children will be able to create a ‘Hairy Harry’ or a ‘Hairy Harriet’ and a dirt cup treat! Some other earthy fun At the Library HOLLY MACLEAN is community outreach assistant for Pictou County includes a special ‘Artcycle’ Imagination Saturday on April 16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. in the Stellarton Library, and a Robot Junk session at the Westville Library on Friday, April 22, 3–4:30 p.m. when they create robots out of recycled materials (pre-register by calling 902-3965022). A little help with technology at the Pictou library A warm welcome goes to Crawford Henderson who is volunteering with the Pictou Library. He will be offering technology assistance through one-on-one mentoring for those interested in learning more about email, social media, Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. His volunteer hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5–9 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–5 p.m. To make a mentoring appointment with him, please call (902) 485-5021. He will also be holding a Minecraft workshop starting on Saturday, April 9, 1:00 – 3:00pm. Please note: Crawford’s hours may be subject to change in the future since it is in a volunteer capacity. A special thanks to him volunteering his time to help! Pictou West PC Association ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sunday, April 10, 2016 7 p.m. at the Abercrombie Community Centre “Presentation by Pictou County Mental Illness Family Support” Light refreshments will be served NG Academy IS GOD PARTICLE CLOVERFIELD 3? presents The Lorax 10 Cloverfield Lane took the world by surprise as being another Cloverfield movie kept secret for years. But is the upcoming movie, God Particle, also a Cloverfield movie? At first, I didn't believe it because it seemed like desperate speculation; however, after looking into it a bit more I have a feeling that it's possible, even likely. But why is God Particle likely part of the Clover-verse? First off, let me tell you the patterns of how God Particle is moving forward. It was a movie that was talked about for a while but didn't really get much traction until a few days ago when it was announced actors in talks for casting. This is interesting because, if these actors are currently in negotiations, they likely haven't spent months going to auditions. It seems like this movie started gaining traction as 10 Cloverfield Lane did. In February of this year, the release date for the movie was set and now at the end of March actors are getting cast. This was what first turned me on to the possibility of God Particle being a Cloverfield movie. The movie's N3RD Life RYAN DUNBRACK is a Pictou resident and vlogger with his own YouTube channel and lots of followers buildup was built with the hype of 10 Cloverfield Lane. God Particle is currently slated to have a $15 million budget, making it the third of low-budget Bad Robot movies, starting with Cloverfield and continuing with 10 Cloverfield Lane. Keep in mind that roughly a month back, JJ Abrams did an interview teasing plans for a third Cloverfield movie. He didn't say it was happening, or what it was, but he did say that he had an idea. The synopsis for God Particle has been released and it reads: “God Particle follows a team of astronauts on a mission who make a terrifying discovery that challenges all they know about the fabric of reality, as they desperately fight for survival.” And this sounds like a very cool Cloverfield movie to me, and I believe it could actually tie together both Cloverfield and 10 Cloverfield Lane. So there is possibility that JJ Abrams, Drew Goddard and Matt Reeves could be working on a third movie without him. That's another thing though; while JJ Abrams is attached to produce God Particle, and Drew Goddard doesn't have anything too substantial keeping him away, Matt Reeves is on another planet. Reeves is on Planet of the Apes, coming out in summer of 2017 and likely his top priority right now. These three made the first movie and produced the second, so it would be odd if they aren't part of this one. And I should say, just because Reeves is making Apes 3, does not mean he can't produce God Particle but at this point he isn't attached to it, to our knowledge. If you were to ask me, I would say there's a strong chance God Particle is Cloverfield 3. The up and coming thespians of the New Glasgow Academy will be staging a performance of The Lorax tomorrow, April 7, at 6 p.m. Katie Hale, with the Academy's English department, said the cast includes 25 young actors with ages ranging from Grade Primary to Grade 8. Hale said the play, based on the 2012 film adaptation of the classic Dr Seuss story, was selected based on student interest. “We had a few students that were interested in that play and brought it to our attention,” said Hale. “We reviewed it and thought it would work.” Students have been practising for the play daily since March, up from the three to four times a week when rehearsals began in January. The Lorax, first published in 1971, is a Seuss-ian fable of the dangers of environmental destruction. Pet of the Week The Advocate is pleased to present this feature starring YOUR pet! Email us a photo of your pet, along with its name, age and who its owners are and we'll do our best to make him/her a newspaper star! Today's pet is Abby, who owns Angela Mackenzie and Brandon Rhyno. Abby is a rescued three-legged doberman. To have your pet featured email [email protected]. Abercrombie Animal Hospital Dr. Kelly Hodder Consultation by Appointment 807 ABERCROMBIE RD. NEW GLASGOW 902-928-2877 AFTER HOURS Emergencies: 902-928-2877 The Advocate April 6 , 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com Brought to you by: YOUR HOROSCOPE for the week of April 3 to 9, 2016 THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: GEMINI, CANCER AND LEO. ARIES A small health problem could take on alarming proportions. You manage to solve the problem once and for all by taking the situation seriously. Daily Specials Soups, Salads Sandwiches Breads, Rolls Cookies, Squares and more CROSSWORD TAURUS You find yourself surrounded by people. Your friends invite you to all sorts of activities, each one more exciting than the next. GEMINI You end up shouldering a lot of responsibilities, either at work or at home. You need to sort out your priorities and stop procrastinating. CANCER A trip could be organized on the spur of the moment. You discover a new form of spirituality that leads you towards a beneficial state of well-being. LEO There is a lot of emotion in the air. Family and friends are ready and willing to help you with a complicated situation at home. The problem is sorted out very quickly. VIRGO It’s always much easier to get along with people who you’re not emotionally involved with. It will be especially important to discipline your children this week. LIBRA You have to take lots of little details into consideration. A major promotion awaits you at work, but you’ll need to negotiate better conditions. SCORPIO You have to cope with a lot of emotions, but there is no other choice than to stay calm so you can manage the situation. You find the sollem. SAGITTARIUS Your plans to move should begin to take shape. You give top priority to the needs of your family, even though it means that your schedule is hectic over the coming days. CAPRICORN You’re tempted to treat yourself to a new car. You need to be reasonable about this expenditure in order to avoid any unwelcome financial stress. AQUARIUS The emotional aspect of your life occupies a prominent place in your heart. Take the time to have a good conversation in order to understand what the tension is in your relationship. PISCES You now have the energy to tackle numerous problems in order to resolve them. You’re happy to be able to deal with all those things that have been worrying you. Coffee Break 9 HOURS: Mon - Wed: 9 am - 3 pm Thu - Fri: 9 am - 4 pm 31 Front Street, Pictou 902-382-3002 ACROSS 1. Burst 4. Chipper 7. Crude 12. Fruit beverage 13. Be in hock 14. African animal, shortly 15. Lay lawn 16. Swiss mountain 17. Ready to be served: 2 wds. 18. Region 20. Swampy place 21. Gone to bed 23. Compositions 27. Almost 29. ____ good to be true 30. Tiny insect 33. Luau garland 34. Claim to be untrue 35. Tire filler 36. Drastic 38. Brews, as tea 40. Wooden barriers Enter for a chance to win a weekly prize from Canapé Cafe & Bakery. This week’s prize: 2 daily specials WINNER: Julie Battist, Lyon’s Brook Complete this week’s crossword puzzle and mail or drop it off at The Advocate office with your name, address and phone number. The first correctly completed puzzle drawn wins the prize. Entries must be received no later than Monday at 12 noon. Prizes may be claimed at The Advocate office, 21 George Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0. 44. Ditch 45. Scatter 46. Shoo! 49. Supportive 51. Fierce rage 52. Dwelling 53. Piece of corn 54. Drink 55. Receded 56. Aardvark’s snack 57. Goldfish, e.g. DOWN 1. Manicotti, e.g. 2. Aromas 3. Bicycle lever 4. Pointy beard 5. Leather punch 6. Slangy affirmative 7. Picky 8. Chimes 9. Befitting 10. Recreation spot 11. Soak 19. Lincoln’s coin 20. Creed 22. Least tanned 24. Enjoyed a meal 25. Hither’s partner 26. Chinese sauce 28. Race (a motor) 30. Neon, e.g. 31. Baby bug 32. “You ____ My Lucky Star” 34. Impression 36. Foamed 37. Vacation hotel 39. Clear, as a videotape 41. Crunchy 42. Spooky 43. Used a broom 46.“____-Devil” 47. Corn unit 48. Polish 49. Small round vegetable 50. Operated, as a machine LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS: 10 Sports The Advocate April 6, 2016 Pictou County SPORTS www.pictouadvocate.com Send scores, reports and sports items to Steve Goodwin at 485-8014 or email [email protected] • HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY Gryphon boys win Div. 1 title By Steve Goodwin [email protected] NEW GLASGOW – The North Nova Gryphons are provincial high school hockey champions. Co-captain Ryan MacDonald scored twice and Matt Murray collected the shutout as the Gryphons blanked Halifax West 4-0 on Sunday and went undefeated in their five games to capture the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation’s Division boys’ banner in Bridgewater. “It feels pretty good,” said MacDonald, who came back two weeks earlier from a broken wrist he suffered in October. “It’s just a great feeling to spend my last year in high school with these guys. It’s still sinking in.” Ethan Snell added one goal and one assist, while Campbell Burrows also scored. Co-captain Jacob Pentz, Robert Burrows and Colin Holmes added one assist each. “It’s great winning for the school for the first time ever, especially being in Grade 12,” Pentz said. “We came together as a team and played our style of playing physical and putting pucks on the net. The coaches From left: Gryphons co-captains Jacob Pentz and Ryan MacDonald stand in front of the North Nova mural from the (Goodwin photo) school’s opening in 2003. said this was the year to win it. It’s good to actually get it done.” The Gryphons finished with a 3-0 record to win Pool A and got two goals from Jared Livingstone en route to a 5-2 triumph against host Parkview on Saturday eve- ning in their semifinal match. Pentz and Holmes each added one goal and one assist, while Campbell Burrows also scored. Evan Callaghan, MacDonald and Sean Duggan each drew an assist. Murray got the win in the Gryphons’ nets. The Gryphons opened their quest on Friday with a 2-1 double-overtime win over Lockview. Kirklin Murray netted the winning goal, with assists from Holmes and Livingstone. Campbell Burrows notched the Gryphons’ other goal. Matt Murray got the win in the Gryphons’ goal. Snell scored twice as North Nova followed with a 4-2 victory over Halifax West. Campbell Burrows and Pentz also scored, while Holmes added two assists. Livingstone and Callaghan had one assist each. Thomas Baudoux got the win in goal for the Gryphons. Ryan Chabassol scored three goals and Snell added a goal and an assist as North Nova whipped Glace Bay 6-1. Livingstone and Noah Teed also scored, while Holmes and Austin Mason each added two assists. Pentz and Matt Chediac each added one assist, while Baudoux was once again in the Gryphons’ goal. The Gryphons outscored their opponents 21-6 in their five games. SPORTS BRIEFS u Turnbull helps Canada's bid KAMLOOPS, BC. – Blayre Turnbull has helped Canada to a silver medal in world women’s hockey. The U.S. defeated Canada 1-0 on Monday in the title game at the world women’s ice hockey championship. The Stellarton native scored an empty-net goal in Canada’s 5-3 victory over Finland on Sunday to send them to Monday’s final. She had an assist in Canada’s 6-1 win over Finland on Friday and an assist in Canada’s 8-1 win on March 29 against Russia. Canada lost 3-1 to the U.S. on March 28 in its first tournament game. Marshall takes silver medal TRENTON – Norma Marshall has earned a spot on Boxing Canada’s National B Team. Marshall, who is a member of Albion Amateur Boxing Club, earned the accomplishment in the Senior Female Division for the team, which is the group of runner-up boxers from the 2016 championships that took place last week in Quebec City. The group travels throughout the world and represents Canada’s national boxing program. Marshall lost a close gold medal bout last Friday to Marian Disilva, the current defending Canadian champion. She advanced to the gold medal match by defeating Bonny Hunter in a tough bout on Thursday. Zach Vaughan and Kage MacDonald were other Albion boxers at last week’s championships. Kage MacDonald lost his opening bout on March 29, while Vaughan won his first bout by walkover. The Pictou Maripacs won the Midget A Division last weekend at the annual SEDMHA hockey tournament. Front row, from left: Tyler Watters, Tim Shea, Keil MacDonald, Taylor Hodder, Robbie Tetreault, Connor Skrynsky, Keegan Malloy, Nick MacNeil and Drew Tooke. Back left: assistant coach Jenny Ferguson, coach Matt Langille, Tyler MacLennan, Luc Claveau, Logan LeBlanc, Brody Murray Brett Claveau, Ethan Scothorn, Spencer Nichol, Dante Flanagan and (Submitted photo) trainer Evan Murray. MINOR HOCKEY Midget A Pacs host Queens after SEDMHA tourney win PICTOU – The Pictou Maripacs are Midget A SEDMHA champs. The Maripacs defeated the Queens County Cougars 5-3 in the championship game at the annual SEDMHA tournament in Cole Harbour. The win set up a showdown on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Pictou County Wellness Centre when the teams meet in the finale of the Day of Champions. It will be the sixth time the teams will have met this season. The Cougars won two regular-season games, but the Maripacs have defeated the Cougars three times in tournament games. Keil MacDonald and Keegan Malloy each had a goal and an assist in the final game for Pictou. Tournament goal-scoring leader Robbie Tetreault, Spencer Nichol and Tim Shea also scored. Tetreault fired four goals as the Maripacs opened their tournament quest as they pounded the Eastern Shore Mariners 8-2. MacDonald scored twice and Malloy had a goal and two assists for the Pacs, while Dante Flanagan got the other goal. Tyler Watters collected the shutout in the second game as the Maripacs dominated the Cougars with a 4-0 win. Tyler MacLennan, Flanagan, Malloy and Shea scored Pictou’s goals. MacDonald and Nichol each added two assists. Connor Skrynsky, MacDonald and Malloy each had a goal and two assists as Pictou followed by defeating the Bedford Blues 6-3. Tetreault added one goal and one assist, while Flanagan and Luc Claveau also scored. Tetreault scored Pictou’s only goal in a 6-1 loss to Bedford White. Nichol had two goals and one assist, while Luc Claveau notched the game winner as the Maripacs edged the Blues 4-3. Malloy scored Pictou’s other goal. Tetreault netted his second tournament hat trick and Brody Murray scored twice as the Maripacs answered their loss to Bedford White with a 7-1 romp in the semifinal. Nichol and MacDonald also scored. A grandson who is competing in Italy A renowned New Glasgow couple, Jean and Donnie Murray, have been dear friends of mine for something like 55 years. Lasting friendships like that are one of the reasons it's good to be alive. In Pictou County, it's hard not to know them. Jean has worked many election campaigns for the Conservatives, particularly for former members of Parliament Elmer and Peter MacKay. She is also a very active member and worker in Trinity United Church in New Glasgow. As well, she's recognized for baking the most wonderful butterscotch pies you can find anywhere. Donnie – also known as Gavin to many – has spent his lifetime in sports. He played senior softball for Trenton teams, had a good whirl in hockey, bowled competitively for years and, in retirement mode, spent most summer mornings trying to beat par at the Abercrombie Golf Club. Oh yes, he and I have been Toronto Maple Leafs fans forever and travelled to Stanley Cup games on occasions. His only fault? He's been a Boston Red Sox fanatic since birth. While raising their family, Jean and Donnie's most athletic offspring was youngest son Grant, who was a pretty decent left-handed baseball pitcher. In more recent years, though, he has stumbled along in fantasy hockey and baseball leagues in which I can easily match his best efforts. What brings my attention to the Murrays right now, however, involves oldest son Gordon who, to be truthful, was never much of an athlete, mainly because he was more interested in other things. Rather than hockey, baseball or whatever, according to mother Jean, “Electronics was what interested him the most at a very young age. He had things wired all around the house. It's a wonder he didn't blow us up. But that was his niche.” To finally reach what I'm getting at, we must move ahead still another generation – to Fraser, the 13-year-old son of Gordon Murray and Gayle Rippey, the grandson of Jean and Donnie. Fraser was obviously more inclined to follow in his dad's footsteps than in his grandfather's. These days, we find him making headlines way over in Italy in gokart racing of all things. It isn't a surprise to his mom and dad, both of whom have had some experiences of their own working on race cars and actually racing. And Fraser has always loved speed. Family members tell me Fraser was only about five years old when he started kart racing. He's been competing – and winning – ever since. According to his grandmother, it all started from Gordon and Gayle's home in Scotch Hill, a little place a few miles outside Windsor. “Fraser and some friends began racing in a neighbour's yard where they made a track and had a ball with it.” It proved successful. Fraser started racing with the Atlantic Motorsport Association in Halifax when he was seven years of age. He won a competition when he was just nine. He was a Nova Scotia champion at 11. He soon added a New Brunswick title, followed by Atlantic regional wins in 2013 and 2014. Now he's a headline maker Hugh's Highland View HUGH TOWNSEND A New Glasgow native and Nova Scotia sports journalist for almost 60 years. [email protected] in faraway Italy. That has come about after his father's career resulted in a three-year appointment on loan to NATO in Saranza. Though a civilian, Gordon was given the assignment by the federal defence department, that moved the entire family to Italy where they reside in La Spezia. Earlier Gordon, who was working in the science and technology sector of the engineering department at DREA in Dartmouth, had made an invention for the Canadian Navy, although that wasn't the primary reason for the NATO position. Back to Fraser. He wasn't going to let the move to Italy stop his career in drag racing. Instead, he continues to compete there, a country where the sport is reportedly much more competitive than it is in Atlantic Canada. According to his grandmother, he is competing in what is called the EasyKart 100 Series, rated as much more challenging than the level he was in previously. Speak to Gayle and you find it isn't easy watching your youngster racing at such speeds. In a recent interview with the hometown newspaper, The Hants Journal, she got right to the point: “It's really intense here in Italy for karting. Italy is number one for racing as far as we can tell. It's not just a hobby.” There's excitement, of course, but it's not all fun and relaxation watching from the sidelines. “As a mother, it's very, very stressful. You're always worried about injury or something like that, but I see all of the positives it brings. He's learned some really great life lessons and ones that a lot of people don't learn until later in life.” The story in the Hants paper reported that Elvis Stojko, who made his own headlines in figure skating, has gotten the kart racing bug and has become one of Fraser's role models in the sport. Fraser's explanation: “Every single time I race, I put my hands on my lap, close my eyes and think. (Stojko) told me that technique. Some (karters) go out there all piped up and when they get on the track, they're very aggressive, not smooth. When you're just calm, it's easier to concentrate.” For a young lad barely in his teens, that's pretty smart wisdom. Meanwhile, those grandparents in New Glasgow aren't going to sit around at home and wonder what it's like. They're not going to wait for the phone to ring. Instead, they're heading to Italy later this month to watch a major race in which Fraser will be competing. “I'll be afraid to death watching,” says Jean, “but I want to see it for myself.” The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com Sports 11 UNIVERSITY HOCKEY Wiseners praise Caggiula's skill set passion for game Jordan MacMillan of the Pictou County Lightning team took on SLAM-Dockrill at New Glasgow (Brimicombe photo) Academy on Saturday afternoon. BASKETBALL Lightning teams win gold medals NEW GLASGOW – Pictou County Lightning teams won medals last weekend during Basketball Nova Scotia championships played in Pictou County and elsewhere in the province. Team MacInnis defeated the Valley Blue Devils 39-38 in the Bantam Boys Division 3B gold medal match, while Team Johnson/Fast outscored Kentville 44-35 in overtime to win the Bantam Girls Division 5 title. Team Smith/MacGregor defeated the Slam 51-29 to win the Bantam Boys Division 5 banner, while Team Atwater took home bronze in Bantam Girls Division 6 and Team Kirby was fourth in Bantam Boys Division 6. Ten Pictou County teams have combined to win four gold medals, one silver and one bronze so far in 2016. More basketball is in store this weekend, with Team Stinson/Wright competing in Juvenile Boys AA in Amherst and Team Mills/MacLean competing in Midget Girls D3 in Halifax. The Midget D2 Girls championship at North Nova Education Centre and Nova Scotia Community College will feature 12 teams, while seven teams will play for the Midget Boys D2 title at Northumberland Regional High School. JR. A HOCKEY Crushers in tough with South Shore The Pictou County Weeks Crushers have their work cut out for them in the current round of MHL playoffs. The Crushers were tied 1-1 heading into the third game of their best-of-seven Eastlink Division championship series with the South Shore Lumberjacks that was scheduled for Tuesday at the Pictou County Wellness Centre. The teams traded 4-1 victories to set up Tuesday’s test. The Crushers opened the series with a win last Friday at the Wellness Centre, while the Lumberjacks defeated the Crushers on Sunday to tie the series. The fourth game of the series will be on Thursday in Bridgewater, while the Crushers will host the fifth game next Sunday starting at 7 p.m. at the Wellness Centre. Mike Lyle’s second goal of the game into an empty net with 35 seconds left in the third period added insurance for the Crushers in the first game of the series. Lyle’s first goal early in the first period gave the Crushers a 1-0 lead, but the Lumberjacks tied the game before the period ended. Sobeys won the championship game in the Oldtimers Division at the 2016 Donald Keddy Memorial hockey tournament by defeating Doc's Dragons 5-3 on March 20 in Westville. Front row, from left: Chris Baldwin, Matt MacGillvary, Cameron MacKinnon, Cole Thompson, Chris MacDonald and Darren Thompson. Back left: Scott MacLean, Aaron Cameron, Sean Fraser, Derek McCarron, Jason MacKinnon, Chris Tellum and (Goodwin photo) Brenton Grant. Regan Spears gave the Crushers a 2-1 lead in the second period, while Cole Murphy padded the Crushers’ lead in the third period. The Lumberjacks outshot the Crushers 29-20, including 16-6 in the first period. Paid attendance was 926. The Crushers outshot South Shore 37-29, but the game turned on the Lumberjacks four straight goals in the second period. Ethan Marsh opened the scoring for the Crushers in the first period. ALLAN Slaunwhite, CFP [email protected] with Michelle Veenhuis FULMORE’S Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 8:30 pm; Saturday 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday 12 - 5 pm Front Street, Pictou 902-485-1600 School, but I was coaching there when Drake was attending the school. I remember him as being a very skilled player and a good kid to coach. He was a very hard worker, was very attentive and simply enjoyed being on the ice and playing hockey. With the Pictou connection, it will be fun to follow Drake’s career for the rest of his college career and then beyond.” Wisener said he has seen Caggiula lately and has marveled at his on-ice presence. He said Caggiula is well-positioned to vie for the Hobey Baker award. “I’ve seen his “dangles” on the highlight reels and have cast votes for him for this award,” he said. “I’m not surprised to see his success in the university level but to be a candidate for the Hobey Baker shows that he is recognized as one of the top players in the NCAA. That puts him in very elite company.” Now 65, Wisener noted that as last year’s winner, Jack Eichel from Boston University, has done well this season as a 19-year-old with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. Wisener played two seasons for BU, amassing 10 goals and 10 assists in 31 regular-season games in his first season 197172 and 21 goals and 20 assists in 27 games in 1972-73. Barry Wisener, who played his university hockey at Acadia University, said he is not surprised Caggiula has done so well in hockey at a high level. “I remember him as an enthusiastic, passionate kid who could not wait to get on the ice," he said. "I think it can be said the boy had a lot of qualities required to certainly take with him to be successful at higher levels. . .very light on his feet, very coachable and receptive to instruction and hungry for the puck.” MAJOR MIDGET HOCKEY MacLennan named coach, GM The Pictou County Weeks Major Midgets have begun preparing for the 2016-17 hockey season. Kyle MacLennan is being brought back and has accepted the duo positions of coach and general manager. “The addition of the General Managers role is a natural progression of the responsibilities Kyle has taken on since joining the program,” said Anthony Conway, governor of the Weeks Major Midget hockey club. The team also paid tribute to Clary Melanson and his contributions to the organization. “After many years of working with the Major Midget program and the Major Bantam program, Clary has decided to step off the bench this year,” Conway said. "The Weeks hockey organization wish to thank Clary for all he has brought to the organization. The kids respond well to Clary and he still has a love for the game and the boys he works with. Clary will be missed on the bench but we are hoping he will still be involved behind the scenes.” MacLennan also announced dates for the spring evaluation camp that will take place at the Pictou County Wellness Centre from May 21 to May 24. Anyone wishing to register for the camp needs to contact [email protected] by May 10.. Meanwhile, County forwards Jake Martin and fellow forward Kevin Mason are on Nova Scotia's team that will play in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s month-end Gatorade Excellence Challenge. Top photo: Clary Melanson, centre right, accepts a plaque in appreciation for his contributions to the Weeks Major Midgets. Bottom photo: awards were presented to four players on the team. From left: Mathieu Fougere stands with the character award beside most valuable player Evan MacLennan, Jack Lynds with the players’ choice award and rookie of the year (Submitted photo) Kevin Mason. MANAGING YOUR MONEY CAPSULE COMMENTS April is National Oral Health Month. Poor oral health can affect a person’s quality of life. Oral pain, missing teeth or mouth infections can influence the way a person speaks, eats and socializes. Problems with teeth and gums can be a sign of oral cancer or can cause inflammation that affects other body organs as well. Get regular dental exams and make flossing and brushing part of your daily routine. It’s always interesting when medical academics can look at a painting from the 15th Century and diagnose a medical problem. For example, they say the model posing for the Mona Lisa had high cholesterol as evidenced by fatty tissue in the hollow of her left eye. It shows the humanity of those depicted in art. If you have first degree relatives under 65 for men and 55 for women who had a heart attack, stroke or by-pass surgery, share this information with your doctor. You may be at increased risk of heart disease based on your genetic history. Your risk is compounded by smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. We are always encouraged to keep our consumption of salt down to about 2300mg of sodium per day to maintain good blood pressure and heart health. What does 2300mg of sodium look like? It is one measuring teaspoonful of table salt. You know you are getting older when you have too much room in your house but not enough room in your medicine cabinet. If you aren’t sure if a medication is okay to keep, call our pharmacists. We can help. PICTOU – Two former directors of hockey schools in Pictou say they saw from an early time the talent a university hockey player with local connections is displaying now. Dave Wisener said he first saw Drake Caggiula at the hockey school, likely when he was instructor but after the time he turned over its direction to his brother Barry Wisener. Caggiula returned to his hockey team at the University of North Dakota after missing five games with an injury, but in enough time to amass 21 goals and 25 assists in 37 regular-season and playoff games and help them reach the Frozen Four NCAA men’s hockey championship that starts on Thursday in Tampa Bay, Fla. “I remember Drake from the hockey school in Pictou,” he said. “It was likely Barry’s school, The Hector Hockey CHARCEY Henderson [email protected] CRAIG Mercer, CFP [email protected] JERRY McGuire, CFP [email protected] Pensions decisions – six keys to a great You’ve undoubtedly thought a lot about the “shape” of your retirement – but whether your plans include traveling, volunteering, starting a new career, or a myriad of other retirement dreams, the most important thing is having sufficient finances to ensure all of them become reality. If you are a member of a pension plan, now is the time to make some important decisions that will have a strong impact on the amount and length of your pension. 1. Decide when your pension payments will begin. If you have a defined benefit pension plan, your annual benefit may be reduced if you retire before reaching a certain age or completing a minimum service requirement. However, your plan may have a bridging benefit to offset an early retirement pension reduction that is paid from the date of early retirement up to age 65 when it will stop. 2. Decide whether or not your pension benefit transfers to your spouse when you die. You can usually: • Elect to receive a life-only pension that ends when you die. It will deliver a higher monthly benefit to you than a joint and last survivorship pension but will not provide a continuing benefit for your spouse after you die. The plan member’s spouse will need to sign a waiver to take this option. • Select the joint and last survivorship option. While your monthly benefit will be lower, the “joint and last survivor” option is usually better unless your spouse has his or her own pension, Registered Retirement Savings Plan, and/ or non-registered assets or adequate insurance coverage. 3. Choosing the survivor benefit. Not all plans allow you to do this – check the details of your plan. In most jurisdictions, the ‘standard’ survivor benefit is 60% of the pension that was being paid to you prior to death, however some plans will include other options such as 66 2/3%, 75% and 100% survivor benefits. 4. Do you have the option of receiving your pension benefit for a guaranteed minimum number of payments? Some plans allow you to choose to receive monthly pension payments over a minimum term of 5, 10 or 15 years – meaning that even if you die prematurely, the benefit will be paid for the minimum period you selected. 5. Does your plan have a CPP (Canada Pension Plan) or OAS (Old Age Security) integration option? If so, you can choose to receive an advance on your pension in the form of larger monthly payments until age 65, when CPP and OAS benefits normally begin. This option will result in reduced monthly payments after the age of 65. 6. Do you have the option to transfer the commuted value of your pension to a locked-in account? Instead of receiving a monthly lifetime pension, you transfer the commuted value of your pension to an account you control. Among other financial decisions, these six key pension decisions will help ensure your retirement dreams will become reality. To be sure your decisions are right for you, talk to your professional advisor. This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant. MIKE MacKean, CFP [email protected] JOHN McLean [email protected] LARRY Turner [email protected] TRUDY Vince [email protected] P: 902-752-2390 F: 902-752-2370 GERRY Mercer [email protected] 535 East River Road New Glasgow 12 Community The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com HOMETOWN HEROES MacLean loves sharing range of musical gifts Editor's note: This is the next article in a monthly feature titled Hometown Heroes. On the first Wednesday of each month, we will highlight the achievements of someone who has Pictou County roots. Suggestions for future columns may be directed to Jackie Jardine, editor, by email at editor@pictouadvocate. com, or by phone, 902-485-8014. By Steve Goodwin [email protected] Kate MacLean says she feels blessed to have such varied musical talents. The singer, song writer and instrumentalist from Pictou County says she cherishes her local roots while carving out a musical career in Toronto. Born in Pictou, she is the daughter of Gwen and Lloyd MacLean and grew up in West River Station and Alma. She could be found during her teens playing the drums, guitar, ukulele and keyboard and has kept adding to the list of instruments she plays or is mastering. Sometimes, she played modern church music with her parents – her father invariably playing a piano and her mother the bass fiddle. “I was very lucky to grow up with that musical influence around,” she said. She has learned to play the accordion and plays bass, “but I’m still working on that.” She graduated from Northumberland Regional High School and earned a music degree New role pitched for former school Mack MacKenzie, 5, enjoyed his pancakes at Saturday's pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Pictou North C o l c h e s t e r Exhibition. The breakfast was held at the Scotsburn fire hall and saw a packed house and entertainment come out to support the event. By Steve Goodwin [email protected] PICTOU – County council heard a proposal for it to partner in a new role for a former school. Rob Assels, a member of the River John Community Action Society who resides in nearby Marshville, presented the proposal to council on March 21 at its financial services meeting. Assels said he’s not representing the society. He’s asking for council to apply to Invest Nova Scotia for money to establish a small business incubator at the former River John Consolidated School with a goal to selling Nova Scotia products overseas. “We thought we’d have a better shot if the municipality is proposing,” he said. He said Invest Nova Scotia has a rolling $5 million fund and allows up to $500,000 in investment funding if in-kind funding for the same amount can be found. Of that, he proposed $250,000 pay for a new roof on the building, plus $50,000 for other repairs and $50,000 for design work. Courses would be offered in technical fields in the building. Initial reaction was mixed, with some council members preferring that the Society be involved in the proposal and others questioning the prospect of a non-profit group like the society being involved in a business venture. It was agreed to defer a decision on the proposal until later. Both Warden Ronald Baillie and CAO Brian Cullen were absent from the meeting. from Humber College in Toronto. MacLean is currently working seven days a week as a music leader at a church in Toronto, directing its children’s choir and leading its adult choir’s mezzosopranos. “I also work as a freelance musician,” she said. “Whenever they need a musician live or for recording, they call me.” She put out her first album containing 11 songs she composed in the folk-rock genre in June 2015. She is playing keyboard for Runaway Angel, a band that plays country music. “Anyone who knew me back in the day would say, ‘Really!’” she said. Although MacLean enjoys her career and living in Toronto, she says she misses home, returns when she can and someday would like to come back to Pictou County to stay. “I was not made to be a city person,” she said. “I’m home one to four times a year tops – never enough. I do look forward to come home, hopefully in five to 10 years depending on where the gigging takes me.” (Brimicombe photo) County councillor blasted for MOU remarks in letter By Steve Goodwin [email protected] PICTOU – A County Council representative on the MOU steering committee is upset with a colleague’s decision to criticize the process in a letter to the editor instead of council debate. Coun. Debi Wadden said in a letter she read before council at its regular meeting on Monday that the letter by fellow councillor Robert Parker was an inap- propriate way to raise his concerns regarding the memorandum of understanding among the rural municipality and the towns of New Glasgow, Pictou and Stellarton. The process includes a plebiscite in May and a vote on amalgamation by the respective councils in June. She said Parker could have debated his concerns in council and said he owed council an apology. Wadden and Warden Ronald Baillie represent council on the steering committee struck to work on the MOU process. She said Parker has had ample opportunity to attend steering committee meetings leading to the spring votes and discern its plans. Parker said the letter was not meant to be personal to them and said his work makes it difficult to attend daytime meet BREAKFAST BOOST Dr. Caroline Carmichael Chapter IODE has presented Frank H. MacDonald Elementary School with funding for its breakfast program and learning apps for the student computers. Making the presentation is, left, IODE president Joan Fraser to Zachary MacDonald, Rachel Moir and Montana Worthen under the watchful eye of education officer Jackie MacLeod. (Submitted photo) Creative Pictou County selects new executive By Debbi Harvie development, Laura Richey; fund development, Troy Greencorn; vice-chair, Debra McNabb and the vacant spot of peer assessment and connections for visual art. Creative Pictou County started as a means to address a perceived need in the community for supporting the arts and is heavily backed in terms of support, by the Town of New Glasgow and the Municipality. “Our goal is to promote and support the arts and the creative economy throughout Pictou County,” notes Munroe. The new board will be meeting regularly for planning sessions and will be putting on a recruitment drive in the fall. “It’s great because it provides a place to go and find out information, for people that are getting into the arts or who are in the arts and don’t know how to access things like grants. We have people on the board who are skilled in those areas for visual arts and performing arts.” Munroe says there is also money in the bank earmarked for the design of a new website for the group that will be home to what is hoped to be an exhaustive list of artists in Pictou County, serving as a database of sorts. The next meeting will take place on April 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of Industry. [email protected] Tough times have been faced by Creative Pictou County in the last few months, leaving the organization without much of a committee. After a plea for assistance from the community, interim chair Carlton Munroe says there has been a lot of renewed interest in the group. “We had a number of people step down from the board and we hadn’t met for a few months and then the chair stepped down so we had a public meeting and got many new interested people involved, both artists and those wanting to support the arts and the board.” The new executive, named at the AGM last week, consists of four new members as well as a rotating chair for the next year. “We decided we would take the year to find a chair for the board and in the meantime, we will rotate the chair every three months,” notes Munroe, who will be chair for the next three months. The board is made up of treasurer, Doug Mann; secretary, Willa Kray; peer assessment and connections for performing arts, Bert Anderson; communications and events, Janine Linthorne; director, Randy Sutherland; director, Todd Vassallo; business Stellarton, Nova Scotia C.J. Installations Inc. (902) 752-6762 For All Your Fresh Air Needs HRV/ERV Systems In New & Existing Homes www.cjinstallations.ca Installations • Sales • Service Continued on page 15 Need Your Carpets Cleaned? We Can Help! Up to 300 sq ft of Carpet Cleaning 9495plus HST $ Foord St., Stellarton 902-752-1267 www.SystemCare.ca The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com Community 13 • MOU • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR u Only silence heard from mill, province To the Editor: There are hard leaners who want the mill to shut down now. There are hard leaners who want the mill to continue operating the way it is. Our Clean The Mill group has always been pushing for the mill to comply with the same level of standards being met by every other pulp mill in Canada. The desire is to have a clean operating mill in Pictou County. But there is trickery and spin doctoring at work. Northern Pulp have hired third party consultants to conduct 'goal driven' studies designed to show their economic importance and the unfairness pertaining to standards for environmental obligations proposed by the government. Meanwhile, non-biased reports conducted by third party consultants have consistently shown that Northern Pulp performs very poorly compared to other similar mills in Canada even the ones owned by the same company, Paper Excellence. These studies and reports have proven that the government's recently proposed industrial approval (IA) was reasonable, fair and achievable. Yet Northern Pulp filed a lawsuit against the Province to pressure them to weaken the IA. Northern Pulp got what they wanted. The Provincial Government caved and weakened the IA to an almost pointless level. Now the problem has only grown larger with the 2020 clo- sure of Boat Harbour fast approaching. If the quality and the amount of the effluent isn't improved we are going to end up with the stuff going directly into the Pictou Harbour (at Lighthouse Beach) instead of Boat Harbour. Will Pictonians want this? Will Pictou Landing residents be comfortable with the same problem in their front yard instead of their backyard? Without a drastic reduction in the amount of water being used by the mill, will a new treatment facility be feasible now? Who is going to pay for it with the costs much higher than originally budgeted because of NP's unwillingness to reduce effluent volume? Where is it going to be built? Why aren't we Respect needed in MOU debate To the Editor: Healthy debate is always good for making major community decisions. This is, after all, the main method that our politicians use at all three levels of government to come to decisions that affect our daily lives. It is my belief that the current debate on amalgamation in Pictou County has some unhealthy components which, if left unaddressed, could lead to lack of acceptance and willingness to move forward after the plebiscite is over, regardless of the result. First, those who are not in favour of the current amalgamation proposal are being portrayed by some as resistant to change, anti-progress, antigrowth, not concerned about the future of the county. I don’t believe any of this to be true. It appears that the majority of community leaders are on the ‘yes’ side of the debate and therefore others who are not in favour must be simply ill-informed or uneducated. There must be a deep respect for each other’s points of view. Secondly, the media (both print and airwave) seem to have decided what way Pictou County should vote on May 28. An unbiased media should report the news fairly on both sides of an issue, not try to make the news or be part of trying to sway the vote one way or the other. Thirdly, this whole MOU process that morphed into an amalgamation decision has been a top down process from the beginning in 2014 and that has led to a large degree of distrust. Taxpayers of all four units will pay a big bill for lawyers, accountants and promoters for this process. I said it at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast a short while ago and was roundly criticized for it but I still believe it to be true. Give any set of lawyers, accountants and promoters a set of figures and tell them the answer you want and you will get it, if you are paying the bill. ‘He, who pays the piper, calls the tune!’ Give those same figures to a different set of lawyers, accountants and promoters, and have somebody with a different vision pay the bill and you’ll get the results they are looking for. While councils and the public were led to believe that the MOU process was only about gathering facts and information that could lead to new governance proposals, in essence the end result that was wanted was made clear to the professionals who then came up with the conclusions desired by the proponents. This is no slight to the professionals, many of whom I count as good friends, it is simply the way the world works. Just look at our court dockets every day; that is what’s taking place, you make conclusions from a set of numbers and facts, based on who’s paying you, the prosecutors or the defence. Real consultation helps build trust and allows input before decisions are made. Pretend consultation simply answers questions on an already decided path of action. In the end, therefore, we have only one proposal to vote yea or nay on, whereas true public consultation would have come up with more than one viable path forward. Therefore, if the voters of Pictou County choose to vote against the take it or leave it proposal, it is not the end of the world. We don’t have to accept the status quo, nor do we have to move away. We stay to fight for a better proposal, one built on trust, one built to include everybody, one built from the bottom up. Finally, many voters are very upset that the plebiscite is not binding. When the plebiscite is over, councillors can still vote opposite to their constituents if they so choose. I would like to see every councillor agree to one set of rules. As our warden has said ‘a negative vote is a negative vote’ and in my opinion, every councillor should support that. A vote to change from what we have now must be stronger to be accepted and allow us to move forward. Similar to the Clarity Act when Quebec separation was a hot topic. A 55 per cent vote for amalgamation would seem a reasonable figure to agree on for councillors to vote yes. Both of these should be regardless of percentage turnout of voters and based on results in each individual councillor’s district. Listen to experience talking To the Editor: "Where we once had a functional, democratic say in our day-to-day rural affairs, we have now been rendered virtually voiceless under the amalgamated city's "new deal"." Typical MOU attitude, only they possess an opinion; having your own opinion means you are a naysayer, only they have an interest in Pictou County. Only they speak for business. This naysayer begs to differ. Business people I speak with are against. Smart business know competition is healthy for the bottom line, at least that is the belief of experts and people forced into amalgamation. Fool me once! Where is the advantage in amalgamating? Where's the competitive edge in a dictatorship, setting rates and rules. Perhaps he needs to open his mind to experts, people who experienced amalgamation, failure after failure, inflicting increased taxes, taken away from the bottom line. Is that healthy for business? When the MOU reassesses tax structure in rural bringing them up to the level of suburban tax rate. (nine per cent to 35 per cent tax increase in Halifax), when the volunteer base collapses as happened in other amalgamation ventures, reduced service, increased bureaucracy (the norm) ... I hope the MOU have a contingence plan. Path of destruction? One liners. Just take a blind leap of faith. Businesses moved for a reason. Former Premier Davies admitted his mistake, supported by the Fraser Institute, C.D. Howe Institute. Try researching, read the hidden costs of municipal amalgamation by Heidi Walsh Sampson. Stellarton business base: The author forgot to mention Sobeys and Empire Head Office, Wearwell, Coke, MacLean carpet, Gennoe's bakery, Skoke Bakery, pop factory, Sobey's Distribution, Atlantic Distribution, Trinity Inspections, Mac Distributors, Hector Supplies, Nova Scotia Drill Core, Avedis Agency LTD, MacKay Fuels, Skoke Investment, Sommex Maritime LTD, MacGillivary Fuels, Highway Tire, Weeks, Bluewave Energy, BDI Canada, East Coast Energy, Eneron, Wajax, Carmichael, Ackland Grainger, Holiday Inn, Sunrise Realtors, Proactive Physiotherapy, Global Supplies, Heritage Fuels, Needs, Power Commission, Scotia Vacuum, MacCulloch's Truck Repair, 3D Auto, etc. Stellarton home-grown business accomplished through forward thinking; developing an incubator mall, industrial park. That is called progress. If the entrepreneurs are as frustrated as the author proposes, why did they move to Stellarton and the county? I spoke with business people who are against MOU. Makes one wonder who speaks for business. Roots in Pictou County hearing any good news about the construction of this new treatment facility and all the jobs that it will create? Why aren't we hearing good news about the construction of the new treatment facility? If Northern Pulp had good news we'd be hearing about it. If the government had good news we'd be hearing about it. There is nothing but silence from both parties aside from Northern Pulp's paid advertisements and photo ops. And from our own Provincial government nothing but dishonest, misleading and misinformed responses to concerned members of the community. . Dave Gunning Lyons Brook When the election for councillors happens in the fall, the candidate with the most votes will be elected, regardless of percentage turnout. The plebiscite should be no different. I have long doubted the validity of this process from the time it was surprisingly sprung on county council. I, along with others, fought hard for a plebiscite so the people could decide this issue. Since then, I have voted to allow the process to continue because I believe the best way to settle it is by a fair vote from the people. The old saying is true ‘The people are never wrong.’ At the end of the day, we must all work together for a better Pictou County and that will only happen if we still have respect for each other. We all want the same thing, we just don’t agree on which car to drive to get us there. I will let my name stand for reelection this fall, be it in a new amalgamated council or in a reduced size county council. I will, however, until May 28, work to defeat the current amalgamation proposal because I believe it is not fair and equitable to the citizens of the rural municipality. Experts and forward projection figures have a history of being wrong in this county, just look at the Wellness Centre. A beautiful facility, a great asset to the county, just a ‘Yarmouth Ferry’ when it comes to financial viability. Let’s not make the same mistake twice. Robert Parker District 5 councillor Municipality of the County of Pictou living here over 40 years, and as an interested tax payer/ consumer alongside other home owners, we are entitled to our opinion and will not be brow beat and bullied by a small group presuming to speak for everyone. Wisdom from experienced rurals. What to do about it? … If it’s broken ...fix it! If one certainty has developed over the last three years, it’s that the present abuses of process, through amalgamation, cannot and will not be tolerated by rural residents for much longer. There is a plebiscite. I hope everyone received a chance to hear both sides. If this was transparent, naysayers (democracy) would have a platform alongside the MOU. C.D Howe, "Amalgamations forced on municipalities by provincial governments are the product of flawed nineteenth-century thinking and a bureaucratic urge for centralized control. What do they know?" Bryan Knight Stellarton A look at the plan for a new council EDITOR'S NOTE: Over the next several weeks, The Advocate is happy to bring a series of information columns from the MOU Steering Committee on a variety of topics related to the proposal. A central feature of the New Municipality will be a restructured council with fewer elected officials and new boundaries for districts. This new council will work collaboratively to serve all communities in a stronger Pictou County. We hired Grant Thornton to make recommendations for the size of council. This work involved reviewing the structures in similar municipalities. Grant Thornton recommended that the new council be made up of 10 councillors and districts and a mayor elected at large. That’s a total of 11 elected officials, down from 31 in our four current municipalities. Based on this recommendation, we designed draft boundaries for ten districts following Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board guidelines. They require districts to retain complete communities of interest whenever possible. They also require voter parity with each district having the same average number of voters, plus or minus 10 per cent. The new municipality will have about 30,000 voters divided into 10 districts. Each councillor will represent about 3,000 voters. All districts but one (district seven) meet this parity guideline. The proposed district seven is off by 0.19 per cent, or only 10 more voters. We held 13 sessions in fall 2016 to consult citizens on these recommendations and made some changes to the districts based on this feedback. We believe the proposed districts are appropriate in size and respect communities of interest. Projected annual costs for the new council are $472,246 – a savings of $220,776 compared to current costs of $693,022 per year. But the benefits go far beyond financial savings. The first priority of the new council and staff will be to develop a five-year strategic direction and business plan for the New Municipality based on a common vision for a strong Pictou County. It will take a regional approach to asset planning, economic development, and long-term growth for healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities. One council, rather than four, will be better able to develop a cohesive plan to address challenges and create new opportunities in our communities. One council will be more nimble and better able to respond to citizens’ needs. One council will be stronger, more efficient and collaborative to create a better future for Pictou County. To learn more about amalgamation and the evidence we have gathered, please visit onepictoucounty.ca. Amalgamation would not benefit all units To the Editor: Having lived in Trenton most of my life, I wanted to give my point of view on the proposed amalgamation. I have to shudder at the thought of an amalgamation that would include some elements of co-goverance by the current administration of the Town of New Glasgow. This is the same town administration who, in recent years, chased away a chance to revitalize Maritime Steel and are busy trying to create a competing business park which is only a five-minute drive away from a thriving business park in Stellarton. New Glasgow has consistently appeared as one of the least desirable places to live in Canada. In my view, the present administration of the Town of New Glasgow will not support any meaningful industrialization either in New Glasgow, Trenton or anywhere else in the County. They would seem to prefer a retirement community. Contrary to what has been said, this is not Pictou County being stronger together. Westville and Trenton are not a part of this proposed amalgamation. As opposed to uniting the county behind a common cause of prosperity, the proposed amalgamation would only serve to further divide it for the benefit of New Glasgow. Why would the other municipalities want to share New Glasgow’s debt load, much less inherit the ongoing anti-industrial New Glasgow administration? I am not against change – perhaps some shared services could be used to better the lives of Pictou County residents. Such change must be verifiably better for the average tax-paying Pictou County resident and the amalgamation proposal has not convinced me that it is so beneficial. For the reasons above, I am opposed to the amalgamation proposal. Doug Brown New Glasgow Stop the negativity To the Editor: If we would afford ourselves the opportunity to better understand the fallout from a no vote and the immediate benefits of a yes vote I believe it would take into focus the only choice we have, voting yes to amalgamation. I have taken the time to follow the process and read everything available on the proposed amalgamation. It can be difficult and tedious, however, well worth the time. I believe it is in everyone’s best interest to understand what is proposed and if they have questions get the answers from people who truly understand the context of the document. The MOU steering committee was tasked with reviewing all aspects of what is required. The committee compiled data, reviewed, had a third party accounting firm review the financial information then presented findings to the public. They have done what was asked of them. The three towns and the county agreed by a vote to be part of the process. Then Mayor Gennoe and Councillor Dewar come out against their peers and cite information that is incorrect during their presentations at the UARB hearings. Is this the kind of leadership we need? Not for my money! The negativity has got to stop in this community because if it doesn’t it will destroy the little we have left. We are being seen by outsiders as a community that cannot get along with each other so they know they won’t have a hope of succeeding if they were considering the area for relocation. I have no issue with anyone thinking differently than I. Actually I promote it. All I ask is support your opinion with factbased evidence. During the UARB presentations it became painfully clear that some individuals have no desire to support their communities when the chips are down. Sad but true. I co-own a local business in the county. When we are asked to support local programs such as the new high schools, baseball teams, the Wellness Center, hockey teams, festivals, Summer Street Industries, and so on we support them as do other businesses. It would be a very different community if all requests of companies for sponsorship were denied because they didn’t feel it necessary to support the community! To be a critic is easy, to be a leader is difficult. Let’s unify as a community and work towards a prosperous future. Andy Mac Gregor McLellan’s Brook 14 Classifieds The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION: BULLETIN Branch #16, Pictou, NS Legion Entertainment for Members and invited guests. N.S.L.C. ID’s upon request Every Monday Night Bingo: Mini Bingo Reg. Bingo Starts at 7:00 p.m. Starts at 7:45 p.m. JACKPOT $725 in 57#’s or less BONANZA 875 in 50#’s or less. BOTTLE 458 $ $ + Ladies Auxiliary Meeting: Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Karaoke: Thursday 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Admission - $3 Pre-teen Dances: Cancelled until further notice. Chase the Ace: Friday at 7:30 p.m. Steak Darts: Saturday 2 - 4 p.m. Meat Roll: Sunday 2 - 4 p.m. APARTMENT FOR RENT TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT: Quiet country setting, central Pictou County, five minutes from town. Includes FSWD. $560, plus utilities. Call 902-456-4594 or 902-861-1537. enturecanada. com (TICO#04001400) NOW RENTING Newly ReNovated towN Houses with decks ONE MONTH FREE 2 and 3 Bedroom units availaBle laundry facilities on site ReNt staRtiNg at $525 FoR moRe iNFoRmatioN Contact 902-485-4997 Apartment for Rent Two bedroom apartment, ideal for a senior, in a one level building on Palmerston St., Pictou. Four appliances included. Rent $700/month plus security deposit. No pets. Available April 1. Phone 902-485-3491. APARTMENT FOR RENT One bedroom apartment in Pictou in adult security building. Includes fridge, stove, heat and hot water. For info call 902-485-8539 or 902-754-1095. FOR RENT Pictou: One bedroom, heated furnished, centrally located. 902-921-0468 EDUCATION/ CAREER TRAINING H E A L T H C A R E D O C U M E N T A T I O N SPECIALISTS are in huge demand. Employers want CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Train with Canada's best-rated program. Enroll today. www.canscribe.com. 1.800.466.1535. [email protected] FOR SALE REFORESTATION NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce & Pine from $0.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866873-3846 or www.treetime.ca. Maple Syrup For Sale call 902-301-6846 DUGGAN’S Sugar Shack Scotsburn FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $4,397MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimensions. In stock ready to ship. FREE info & DVD. w w w. N o r w o o d S a w m i l l s . com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT HEALTH CANADA BENEFIT GROUP- Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment ABERDEEN SHOPPING CENTRE, NEW GLASGOW (Former Central Supplies Building - 72,000 sq. ft.) TRAVEL/VACATION SERVICES SAVE 30% on our Heart of the Arctic adventure. Visit Inuit communities in Greenland and Nunavut aboard the comfortable 198passenger Ocean Endeavour. CALL FOR DETAILS! 1-800-363-7566 or visit: www. adventurecanada.com (TICO#04001400) HOUSE FOR SALE Dealer for New & Used Music Equipment • Drums • Guitars • Amps • Pianos • Celtic Instruments • Fiddles • PA Equipment • Brass Instruments • DJ Equipment... and much more! EXCLUSIVE DEALER for Lakewood, Martin Guitars and much more 902-863-1657 ANTIGONISH - OFF HWY 7 C & J MARTIN Well Drilling Co. Ltd. • Over 20 years experience • Geothermal Drilling • Pump Sales & Service • Residential & Commercial • Guaranteed Workmanship • Free Estimates Stellarton, N.S. Phone: 902-752-4172 Toll Free 1-888-377-WELL (9355) McCulloch Genealogy Centre 86 Old Haliburton Road Vendors 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. • Shoppers 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Private and commercial vendors welcome. Vendors may leave goods on site. Wear your tartan & bring a friend! ALL TABLES $12 For info and booking: (902) 695-5631 “Guest speaker on Ship Hector descendants project” • Scotch tasting • Haggis buffet • Presentation from the St. Andrews Society • Music & traditional dance Professional Truck Drivers - Spring Haul, 2016 Westcan Bulk Transport Ltd. Nova Scotia was the first jurisdiction in the world to proclaim “Tartan Day” in 1986 and it is now celebrated by the Scottish communities around the world. On Tartan Day, Canadians are encouraged to wear tartan in commemoration of the contributions of Scots and their descendants to society. Tartan Day also commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in which Scotland asserted its independence from England in 1320 AD. - FREE ADMITTANCE - Applicants assigned to one employment location: Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw, Kamloops, Yellowknife Drive for Excellence - Join Our Team! Haul Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) or dry bulk fertilizers in hopper bottom trailers throughout Western Canada during the spring season (April-May). Class 1 driver’s license with recent experience required; super B and/or bulk experience an asset; safety conscious approach to all job duties is must have. Westcan offers: • very competitive km rates with additional earning opportunities including a wage guarantee of $1,400.00 per week (over the duration of the contract) and a Good Operations Bonus upon completion of contract • access to Westcan’s camp in Saskatoon for meals and other facilities while hauling in the vicinity; • and airfare to and from the driver’s residence and place of employment All applicants require a clean abstract and will adhere to a criminal record search, pre-access medical and drug screen. Interested applicants apply online at www.westcanbulk.ca under the Join Our Team link. Westcan is committed to the principles of Employment Equity and a proud national sponsor of MADD Canada. Thank You BECK The family of the late Alden G. Beck wish to express our utmost thanks and appreciation for your expressions of sympathy during this difficult time. To the EHS ambulance paramedics, the doctors and nurses of the Aberdeen Hospital Emergency department and 4th floor nurses, we thank you for your excellent care and concern. Thank you to all who attended the visitations and funeral service and for all the kind words about Alden that were expressed to us. Special thanks to the pallbearers; Anne MacDonald Landry for the reading; Rev. Gary Tonks, members of the choir and organist Joan Clark for the beautiful service; Glenn Livingston and Jim Harris of McLaren Funeral Home for your compassion and guidance and to the ladies of First Church for the wonderful reception. Thank you to Alden’s fellow comrades of the Legion and Masonic Lodge for honouring him with your services. Thank you to all who sent cards, flowers, food and donations. We are forever grateful. Sincerely, sister Audrey Christie; Beck, Barnard and Gammon families. In Memory FARMWORKS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MECHANICAL ENGINEER Kenney & Ross Limited is a Marine Extraction Plant located on the South Shore, NS and manufactures food grade Fish Gelatin and Collagen. Applications are being accepted for an immediate opening for a Junior Engineer with a background in manufacturing and/or food processing. Responsibilities Include but not limited to: • Leading and supervising the development of new processes and installations. • Provide Autocad drawings of existing and new processes. • Develop Standard Operating Procedures for new and existing equipment. • Provide assistance to maintenance personnel with Technical Equipment and instrumentation, such as VFD, PLC Displays, etc. • Develop & Implement Preventative Maintenance Programs and Systems. The ideal candidate requires the following qualifications: • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. • 1-2 Years Experience in a Manufacturing/Food Processing Environment. • Experience with Auto Cad Software. • Experience with Processing Equipment and Design. • Experience with calibration and installation of process instrumentation. • Possess excellent problem solving, organizational, and supervisory skills. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Experience with identifying and purchasing process equipment. Kenney & Ross Limited offers a challenging career with a benefit package including Group RRSP, potential profit sharing, Health and Life Insurance. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume to: [email protected] or Kenney & Ross Limited, 6493 Shore Road, Port Saxon, NS, B0T 1W0. No phone calls please. All applications must be received by April 22, 2016. We thank all those who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you have a story idea or would like media coverage at your event call Steve at (902) 301-0724 If you thought The Georgetown Conference created buzz... Just Wait. Announcing Investment Co-operative Limited WANTED TO BUY G&G Music Store 6:00 p.m. Tartan Day Celebrations - EVERY SUNDAY - Maple Avenue, New Glasgow: Three bedroom, one bathroom, fireplace and heat pump. Kitchen, bedroom and living room renovated 2015. New deck and new roof 2015. $129,000. Please call 902-755-5796. ANTIQUES: Pantry cupboards, tables, old furniture, military items, musical instruments, old books, old toys, ship paintings and other old paintings and old advertising signs, etc. John Marshall Antiques. Call, write or visit 65 Provost Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2P5. 902755-4055. Email: john.marshall. [email protected] SCOTTISH BREAKFAST at Stone Soup Cafe 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. INDOOR/OUTDOOR NOTICES CHRIST ROSE FROM THE DEAD on the first day of the week as well as appeared to His disciples on the first day of the week. In Acts 2 we read of the outpouring of the holy spirit, which as well took place on the first day of the week. In this way Christ, being Lord of the Sabbath, transferred the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. www.clda. ca TARTAN DAY SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 GIANT FLEA MARKET McNamara In loving memory of a wonderful husband, Greg, who passed away April 6, 2010. Little did I know that morning God was going to call your name. In life I loved you dearly; in death I do the same. It broke my heart to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of me went with you, the day God called you home. It’s lonesome here without you I miss you more each day. Life is not the same since you have gone away. When days are sad and lonely and everything goes wrong, I seem to hear you whisper “Cheer Up and Carry On” You left behind my broken heart and happy memories too I never wanted memories I only wanted you. Gone but forever in my heart. Jo-Anne To place a classified ad call Marjorie at 902-485-8014. HOW TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD Phone: 902-542-3442 or 902-670-3360 Apply Today! Email: [email protected] June 2 - 4, 2016, Georgetown PEI Website: FarmWorks.ca Apply at Keynote www.thegeorgetownconference.ca The Fifth AGM will be held on April 17, at 2 p.m. at the Tatamagouche Centre Be a part of shaping a prosperous and dynamic future. 259 Loop Route #6, Tatamagouche EVERYONE INTERESTED IN LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION IS INVITED TO ATTEND. Chef Michael Smith Proud Sponsor Food Network Canada Host and Rural Entrepreneur. Followed by conversation and treats from Not Your Mama’ Kitchen One individual. One idea. One community at a time. GRANT PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS The Town of Pictou is currently accepting applications from organizations and individuals requesting financial assistance through the Municipal Grant Program for fiscal year 2016-17. Applications must be forwarded to the Recreation Coordinator no later than May 9, 2016. Any applications received after this deadline will only be considered if funding is still available. Applications will be considered in accordance with the Grant Program Policy for the Town of Pictou. Grant categories include: 1. Youth travel 3. National/Provincial/or Local Event 2. Community Programming 4. Community Economic Development Initiative The Grant Program Policy and Application Forms can be picked up at the Pictou Town Office, 40 Water St. or downloaded from the town website at www.townofpictou.ca. Only grant requests completed on application forms will be considered. All first-time applicants are encouraged to contact the Recreation Coordinator at 485-4372 x. 255 or [email protected] to discuss their proposal and receive assistance in completing the application form. Guidance will also be provided in identifying ineligible projects/expenses or referral to other grants programs. Organizations and individuals who have previously received funding from the Town of Pictou will also be required to fill out an application form to be considered for financial assistance. PLACE IT IN PERSON! at 21 George Street, Pictou PLACE IT BY MAIL! to PO Box 1000, Pictou, NS B0K 1HO (Att: Classifieds) PLACE IT BY PHONE! call 902-485-8014, ext. 1101. PLACE IT BY EMAIL! to [email protected] Classified Advertising Rates Up to 25 words - $9.64 (plus HST) for one issue, $12.62 for two issues and $16.06 for three issues. Over 25 words - add 21¢ (plus HST) per word, per issue. ERRORS & OMISSIONS Should an error be made by The Advocate which in its judgement materially affects the value of the advertisement, a corrected advertisement or portion thereof will be inserted upon demand without further charge “Make good” insertions are not granted on minor errors which do not lesson the value of the whole advertisement. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY CLAUSE The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such an error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise, and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of advertisement beyond amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher reserves the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any advertisement. ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 PM Friday for Wednesday’s Publication CLASSIFIEDS DEADLINE: 12 PM Monday for Wednesday’s Publication Classified Ads must be paid in advance of publication. Visa, MC & Debit accepted. 1-866-447-5116 Lifetime Roofing Systems Offer Expires April 30, 2016 ® The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com Election for District 3 same day as plebiscite Trudy Vince, left, listens as resident Liya Robertson discusses life in Pictou County during a Y Reach talk on March 22 at the New Glasgow Library. (Goodwin photo) “Friendly” vs “Welcoming” discussed at Y Reach event By Steve Goodwin [email protected] NEW GLASGOW – Drawing a comparison between being a friendly community and a welcoming community was a topic on March 22 during a Y Reach presentation by Pictou County YMCA immigration staff member Wendy Hughes at the New Glasgow Library. Hughes was joined by members of the UNESCO Municipalities against Discrimination. “Many strides have been taken to suggest we are a welcoming community,” said Henderson Paris while introducing Hughes. “We’ve learned so much from what (Hughes) has done.” Paris and Trudy Vince are New Glasgow town council representatives on the committee. Liya Robertson, who resides in Pictou County but is originally from Russia, says she has developed a deep affinity the area. “I feel at home here,” she said. “If my soul is happy, I’m happy. That carries me every day.” Hughes said Pictou County needs to take advantage of immigration to help it reverse years of population decline. She said it reflects the changing demo- graphic throughout Atlantic Canada, whose population is now seven per cent of Canada’s, compared to 10 per cent in 1961. Aging and outmigration are two reasons for the decline. She said accommodating families in Pictou County, such as the Syrian families received by groups in New Glasgow and Pictou, is challenging in terms of housing, language, school settlement and general support. “All the clients, when I ask why they moved here, say it was for a better education and a better life for their children,” she said. “We want them to stay.” She said retaining professionals, such as physicians, is diffi- Students learn friendship at youth forum By Debbi Harvie [email protected] Ottawa held a lot of surprises for local students taking part in the Encounter’s Canada youth forum, especially that of friendship. Four students from North Nova Education Centre were among students across the country to attend the forum hosted weekly each year with 120 to 148 young Canadians focusing on a different theme each week. Benjamin MacKenzie, Paget Houston and Merrilee Spears all attended the event in February and were glad they did. “I heard about it through Ben (MacKenzie) and I’m on the debate team so I spoke to my teacher about it and he said I should go,” explains Houston. MacKenzie found out about the program through online Community 15 research. “I am enrolled in the international Duke of Edinburgh program and I needed certain criteria for a community project and this reached all of the criteria. I found it through an online search.” This was their first time in Ottawa and they each went on a different week. “It was very entertaining, a unique experience. The people were very nice and I learned a lot. We were exposed to all parts of Canada and got to learn about different cultures.” MacKenzie says he had expectations going in, but found the experience to be completely different. “I didn’t realize it would be so much about the cultural aspect and making new friends. I made more friends than I actually learned, but it was still fantastic.” Spears felt the same. “It was way different than I thought it would be. I went for the First Responders Week and there was a lot less about that but we got to see a lot of museums and had a lot of free time.” They also got to experience a bit of dorm life with shared rooms. MacKenzie took part in the medicine and health theme while Houston attended the law and justice system theme, having chosen based on prospective future careers. Although there was less concentration on the theme, the life lessons and experiences were worth it for the attendees. “Members of Parliament came in to speak to us and we got a lot of free time to spend with other students.” They also had the option of either going skating on the Rideau canal or attending an NHL game among other activities. “It was really cool because it brought people with the Invite The Whole Community To Your Garage Sale! Advertise your garage sale in The Advocate Classifieds. It’s the best way to let everyone now about your sale. Our readership can help you clean out your garage and fill your wallet with extra cash. To Advertise Your Garage Sale call 485-8014, ext. 1101 21 George Street, Pictou Ph: 485-8014, ext. 1101 • E-mail: [email protected] PICTOU – Residents in District 3 will vote twice on May 28. County council has agreed to schedule a special election in the district for May 28, the same day as a plebiscite that residents will vote on regarding the county’s proposed amalgamation through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the towns of New Glasgow, Pictou and Stellarton. Council set out a schedule that includes advertising a call for nominations on April 19 and April 26 and nominations closing on May 3. Advance polls for the special election will be on May 21 and May 24. Warden Ronald Baillie said there was an opportunity to conduct the special election on the same day as the plebiscite while voting venues and a returning County councillor ... Continued from page 12 "Many strides have been taken to suggest we are a welcoming community." – Henderson Paris cult if the spouse is not as engaged in the community. “They come to Canada, they come here and they want to move,” she said. same interests together,” notes Spears. MacKenzie adds, “I think the goal was to get everyone involved... my goal (in attending) was to learn but in the end I made a lot of close friends.” Spears says she is confident that she can go off to university next year and make new friends while MacKenzie and Houston, Grade 11 students, say it really helps people come out of their shells. The entire program was also bilingual so they were able to focus a bit on language as well and were encouraged to speak French whenever possible. “We did skits for each province and they wanted us to try to speak French in ours,” recalls Spears. All three say the trip was well worth it and was a minimal cost. “I think the whole thing was around $700 but there was funding from the school board and the (Municipality of Pictou) County and the province paid our flights there. So it was very affordable for everything you get, your meals, your flights, activities and accommodations,” says MacKenzie. officer were in place. Council decided to conduct the special election at its regular meeting on Monday to fill the vacancy left by the recent death of long-time District 3 representative Ed MacMaster. The gesture was made in tribute to MacMaster on Monday to stand the municipal flag where he sat in council chambers. A moment of silence preceded council’s call to order, while the meeting’s first item of business was to formally declare the seat vacant. MacMaster’s passing came after a long period of declining health and his recently infrequent attendance at council. There was growing concern among residents in District 3 that their intentions regarding the MOU might not be represented on council following the plebiscite. -ings. He repeated his assertion that many people in Pictou County don’t trust the process. “There has been a lot of distrust because there hasn’t been a lot of information,” he said. Wadden said people can access more information has been placed on the One Pictou County web site and in newsletters that have been distributed. Deputy Warden Andy Thompson and Coun. David Parker got into a testy exchange when Thompson said he was disappointed with the lack of respect shown Wadden. Baillie immediately stepped in to end the debate. What followed was a discus- Big move ... Continued from page 1 move the collection to this new building as well. We will be working on its set up starting this fall and if all goes well we hope to have it open sometime in 2017,” notes sion regarding how councillors would vote based on the results of the plebiscite vote in each district. David Parker asked if the plebiscite matters if councillors don’t vote based on the results. Turple said he would not use the results from a limited voter turnout at the plebiscite to determine his vote on the MOU in June. “I don’t expect 30 per cent voting to represent 70 per cent of my residents,” he said. Coun. Leonard Fraser reminded Turple that he got elected regardless of how many cast ballots in his district. Coun. Randy Palmer said he would vote based on how the majority of those voting in his district. Allan. A & M has been growing the last few years with customers spanning Merigomish to Pugwash and everywhere in between, so the move seemed fitting. “We hate to be leaving Lyons Brook but we are moving to a really good location and hopefully our customers will follow,” says Mary. Pictured here is Grand Knight John Gillis of Council 1667 Knights of Columbus, right, presenting a new coffee percolator and turkey roaster to Elaine Sponagle, for the Shepherd's Lunch Room. The Shepherd's Lunch Room provides meals to those in need, twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., At Trinity United Church, New Glasgow. (Submitted photo) RECREATION AND PARKS 2016 Student Summer Employment Opportunities The Department of Recreation and Parks is accepting applications for the following summer employment positions: Recreation Intern Day Camp Leaders Park Maintenance Helper – Public Works Applications are available at Pictou Recreation and Parks, 40 Water Street or on the Town of Pictou website: www.townofpictou.ca/employment.com Completed applications must be submitted by Monday, April 25, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. The positions with the Department of Recreation and Parks are only open to students currently attending and intending to return to school full-time in the fall. Some positions are dependent on funding approval. For further information, please call 902-485-4372 or e-mail [email protected]. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. 16 Community The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com RIVER JOHN NEWS upstairs which everyone enjoys going to. The Cafe is opened every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (in the River John School) which is always great; you can have lunch or muffins along with other items as well as enjoying the company of others. Here is another poem written by Dal Robinson ENOS' BARN By Anne Patriquin River John correspondent Hi everyone hope you had a great week. The weather was very nice although they are talking about getting a little more snow. A couple of items to bring to your attention. The I.O.O.F. hall in River John has its weekly card party (Auction 45's) every Wednesday evening starting at 7 p.m. There is also a very good lunch supplied so come and enjoy the evening. Also at Enos Heighton's barn, it's time had come And the big brass gave the nod So the highway boys are at it To flatten it to the sod. At the same time Allison Heighton's house Was needed on the cape no the River John Legion is Chase the Ace starting at 6:30 p.m. with the weekly Jam session more So Lloyd MacLellan bought it And hauled it to the Back Shore. So when you drive to River John By Gosh! It will make you sore To see the Tories tearing down River John And the Grits building up the shore. Author Dal Robinson Have a great week everyone and stay safe. Remember if you have any news, big or small that you would like to have in the paper, call me at 902-351-2898 or e-mail me at [email protected] u MACMASTER, Alfred Edward – of Caribou passed away at home on Monday, March 28, 2016, at the age of 76. Edward was born December 10, 1939 in Caribou, the eldest child of the late Alfred and Margaret (MacKeil) MacMaster. He attended Bay View School, graduated Pictou Academy (Class of ’58) and continued his formal education his entire life. Edward’s life of good, hard work began at a very young age, helping his father with the family farm. He loved working outside and being with nature. At age 20 he AIKENS, Warren Robert – 87, of Little Harbour, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, on March 29, 2016. Born in Little Harbour, he was a son of the late Robert and Edna (Colquhoun) Aikens. Dad had a great sense of humour and was happiest when with family and friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, playing baseball and hockey and later took great pleasure in tinkering around his house and yard. Warren was a retired employee of Scott Maritimes. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Shirley (Fisher); daughter, Jane (Mike) Thompson, Little Harbour; sons: John (Micheline), Fredericton, NB; Stephen (Andrea), Wolverton, ON; seven grandchildren: Ryan, Conor and Evan Thompson; André and Janelle Aikens, Sam and Flynn Aikens, sisters: Lola Noseworthy, Helen Bonvie, Doris (Al) Caulier, Eva Aikens, Diane Aikens, Isabel (Sterling) Snow; brother-in-law, Clem Guthro; sisters-in-law: Ruth (Bob) Chandler, Carol (Keith) McKean, Janet Willumsen. He was predeceased by brother, Lloyd and sisters: Molly, Carolyn and Evelyn. Funeral service was held April 2 in Little Harbour Presbyterian Church. Burial in Church Brook Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Aberdeen Palliative Care or Little Harbour Presbyterian Church. BROWN, Irene “Rene” – 81, Valley View Villa, Riverton, formerly of New Glasgow and Liverpool, England, passed away peacefully March 29, 2016 in the Villa. Born in Liverpool, she was a daughter of the late Richard Samuel and Winnifred Rachel Alexandra (Mawby) Jones. Rene was a champion ballroom dancer in her youth in England. After raising her children, she was employed with Harris & Roome, New Glasgow. Rene served as District Commissioner with the Girl Guides of Canada for many years. She enjoyed spending her summers camping with her family. Rene and her husband, Harry, traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Caribbean, eastern United States and Canada, sharing many memorable moments. Surviving are her husband of 56 years, Harry Brown; son, Colin (Janice) Brown, Enfield; daughter, Yvonne Brown, Mississauga, Ont.; granddaughter, Marissa; grandson, Jensen; sisters, Winnifred Robinson, Windsor, Ont.; Dr. Rosemarie Chaffers-Jones, Blaenporth, Wales; Barbara Penkman (Mike Mitchell), Wolf Island, Ont.; Jeanette (Peter) Gribbin, Wasaga Beach, Ont.; brothers, Richard (Norma) Jones, Chester, England; Allan Jones, Macquarrie Fields, New South Wales, Australia; Harold Jones, Milton Keynes, England; Bernard (Marita) Jones, Markham, Ont.; David Jones, Upholland, England; many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Rene’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Donations may be made in Rene’s memory to the Valley View Villa, Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or Aberdeen Health Foundation. CROSSAN, James William Jr. – Riverton: It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of James William Crossan Jr., announce his passing on March 21 ,2016 in the Aberdeen Hospital. The youngest of four children, he was born to James Crossan Sr. and Marion (Hurd) Crossan on December 17, 1936. There will be no funeral service as per his wishes and burial will take place at a later date. DUNBAR, Norman Robert “Toby”– age 78, died at home on March 26, 2016 with his family by his side. Norman was born June 1, 1937 in New Glasgow, NS, to parents Eileen (Young) and Bernard “Bun” Dunbar. Toby moved to New York City, NY in 1955 to work for the Eaton’s Company. In 1957 he returned to New Glasgow and married his wife Edna on October 14, 1958. Norman and Edna relocated to Hamilton, Ont. in 1959 where he worked for the Lifesavers Candy Company and then Stelco Steel for 12 years. In 1970 he returned to Abercrombie, NS to raise his family. Over the years Toby worked for Inter-Supply Ltd., Michelin and Hawker Siddeley. In 1982 he went to work at the John Brother MacDonald Stadium where he stayed until retirement on his 65th birthday in 2002. Toby was president of the Abercrombie Community Centre for many years as a dedicated volunteer spending endless hours with community events. Toby loved gardening and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labour. Well known for his humour and passion for life, Toby enjoyed spending time with his “trusted confidants” at the local A&W and was always surrounded by friends. Toby was a long-time member of Farm Group, Friends of the Island, Independent Order of Foresters, The Caribou District II Heritage Society, the Bay View Community Club, served on the board of the Riverview Home Corp, Ex-Pic Non Profit Society and many, many others. Edward is lovingly remembered as the voice of the people. He saw the big picture. You knew where he stood and that he was on your side. He gave all of himself to those around him and stayed true to his character with honesty, integrity, kindness and a wonderful sense of humour. With a booming voice and charismatic presence, our beloved Edward said what he meant and made sure that you heard him. He loved to spend time with his bees and berries, singing Gaelic songs and visiting neighbours. His family was of the utmost importance to him. He was brave and fought like hell against the fading light. “Ed MacMaster is a classic, the best you’ll ever find.” – Sterling Rae and the Centre Hiking Club. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Larry; sisters, the Abercrombie Cemetery Committee. Norman is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Edna (Hayes) Dunbar; his four children: Howie (Cindy) Dunbar, Mike Dunbar, Tom (Cindy) Dunbar, Norine (Darren) Martin, and his seven grandchildren; Carli (Philip) Reid, Richard (Charlena) Dunbar, TJ (Shannon) Dunbar, Michael (Janine) Martin, Samantha (Joshua) Dunbar, Kelsie Martin, Lauren Martin and many, many friends as well as Pumpkin his cat. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Franklin Dunbar; sister-in-law, Ruth Dunbar; sisterin-law, Margaret Dooley and best friend Murdock MacLean. Funeral service has taken place. Donations can be made to the Abercrombie Community Centre for maintenance and upkeep or paid forward as an act of kindness to someone in need. HILLIER, Harry Ian – 65, of Beausejour, Manitoba, formerly of Willowdale, Nova Scotia, passed away suddenly on March 19, 2016. Born in New Glasgow on February 17, 1951, Harry was the son of the late Robert and Hellen (nee MacDonald) Hillier. Harry resided in Manitoba for the past 40 years. He owned and operated his own business building and repairing fire trucks. Prior to that he worked for Fort Gary Industries in Winnipeg. Harry will be sadly missed by his wife Darlene and her daughters Rhonda, Kristie and Kelly and their families; by his children Patrick (Tammy), Krista (Ben) and their families. He will also be missed by his family in Nova Scotia, brothers Jim (Anne), Raymond, Bernie (Pat), Donald, Ronald (Gloria), David, Howard; sisters Letitia Quail, Carol Yorke (John), Shirley (Libby); sisterin-law Sheryl and many nieces and nephews. Aside from his parents, Harry was predeceased by his first wife Judy; brothers John, William, Kenneth, Thomas, Richard and sister June Roux. Funeral and committal service took place in East River St, Mary’s. MACKINNON, Priscilla “Jean” – October 16, 1929 – March 29, 2016 passed away quietly in her sleep at the Aberdeen Hospital following a brief illness. Born in New Glasgow, Jean was the eldest daughter of the late Paul and Etta Margeson. Jean took great pride in her marriage, her family, her home and church. She fondly recalled the many trips that she shared with Danny during their marriage. Jean proudly lived u WEDNESDAY, April 6 AA’s Pictou Hr. Group meets at 8 p.m. on the Old Pictou Road and at 8 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Westville. ABC’s for Babies (0-18 months), 10–11 a.m., Westville Library and 10:45–11:30 a.m., Stellarton Library. ToddleTime (18 months–3 yrs), 10:15–11 a.m., New Glasgow Library. Gamers Afterschool @ Library (drop-in), 3–5 p.m., Westville Library. For children ages 8-14. Afterschool @ Library (ages 5-9), 3–4 p.m., Stellarton Library. Snacks provided, stories, LEGO!, songs and games. Club Francais, 12-1 p.m., Stellarton Library. Join us for delightful conversation, en francais! For more info contact the co-ordinator Cynthia Gallager at 902-754-2682 or [email protected]. OBITUARIES joined the Canadian Hydrographic Service Ship; Kapukasing, that explored and mapped the Grand Banks off Newfoundland. The following year he began teaching on Pictou Island. Edward joined the 1st Battalion N.S. Highlanders Militia where he was a bagpiper. He worked as an insulator, labourer, worked at the shipyard, PC Truckers Association, E. MacMaster Farms & Construction, was elected governor of the N.S. Wildlife Association for Antigonish, Pictou and Guysborough Counties and was appointed to the District Forest Improvement Board. In 1976, Edward was elected to the Pictou County Council where he proudly served until his death, making him the longest serving county councilor. He had also been deputy warden and had recently renewed his blasting license. “Big Ed” was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Caribou District Fire Department, Nova Scotia Beekeepers Association, Pictou County Federation of Agriculture, NS Growers Association, Right to COMMUNITY EVENTS Jessie, Anne and Katherine. Edward is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorte (née Birkholm) of Denmark; children, Michael (Kim), Caribou; Teresa (Tim), Pictou and Craig (Joanne), Porters Lake. Edward also lives on through his grandchildren, Jeremy (Samantha), Petawawa; Riley, Montreal; Kelsey (Hugh), Lawrencetown; Hannah, Lauren and Gabrielle, Porters Lake; and his two great-grandchildren, Oliver Edward and Scarlett Anne. He will also be deeply missed by his siblings, Lenny, Caribou; Mary (Al), Bible Hill; Duncan (Isabel), Caribou; Jane (Dominic), Caribou; along with numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Bidh gaol againn ort gu bràth. The family would like to thank Angela Fogarty, the team and visitors of the Seniors Café in Westville, a place Edward always enjoyed and felt welcome. Funeral was held Sunday from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Pictou. Donations may be made to the VON Senior’s Café in Westville or the Pictou County SPCA. independently in her own home until she was 85. She moved to High Crest Home in recent months due to declining health. Jean was predeceased by her parents Paul and Etta Margeson, husband Danny, brothers Doug, Ross and Richard and nephew Glen Margeson. Jean is survived by her sisters Adeline Smith, New Glasgow; Ida O’Brien (Jimmy), Westville; brothers Reg (Reolla), Kingston, NS; Ted (Ann), King’s Head; and Lew (Kathy), New Maryland, NB; sisters-in-law Marie, Barbara and Dorothy Margeson. Many nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held at First United Baptist Church, New Glasgow with Rev. Gordon Sutherland officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. PAQUET, Joseph Allan Wayne, ‘the Colonel’– 70, of Pictou, passed away March 30, 2016 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in Pictou, he was a son of the late Alphonse and Mary Gertrude (McNeil) Paquet. Also known as ‘the Colonel’ Wayne had many friends in town and he surely will be missed. Surviving are sister, Marilyn, Maine, USA; brothers, David, Stony Plain, Alberta; Kenny and Mike, both of Pictou; niece, Nicole – who is a nurse and stayed with him to the end; cousins, Carol Ann Van Westin, Pictou; Janet Smith, Dartmouth; Adele and Corrine Doucet, both of Ottawa; nieces and nephews, Danielle, Andrew, Ashley, Craig, Troy, Joey and Mark. A service will take place in Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Pictou. Donations in his memory may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society. PELRINE, Mark Roy – 59 of Vale Mountain View Senior Citizens, Thorburn formerly of Priestville, passed away April 1, 2016 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Joseph and Leona (Bond) Pelrine. Mark worked as a carpenter for many years. He was a member of the former St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in Thorburn. He is survived by a daughter Alyson Rae Pelrine, Churchville; brother John, Ontario; and a sister Marilyn Pelrine, Halifax: two special friends Kim and Brian Clark. He was predeceased by an infant son. There will be no visitation by request. A graveside service of committal will be held at 11 a.m. today (April 6) in the Holy Cross Cemetery, New Glasgow. The monthly meeting of the Pictou County La Leche League group will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Kids First Family Resource Centre in downtown New Glasgow. Pregnant and new mothers and babies are welcome to attend for breastfeeding information and support. Contacts: Sue Arsenault 485-2530; Shannon MacDonald 272-2010; Lindsay Corbin 759-2634. Seniors Cafe (light refreshments provided) presents 'From Rags to Bags! Transforming a T-shirt into a bag' with Marla from Pictou County Solid Waste (T-shirt will be provided), 2:30–3:30 p.m., Westville Library. This month we celebrate Earth Month. Join us for some tea, coffee and conversation. For info or to suggest a speaker call (902) 7556031 or (902) 396-5022. 'Trendy T-shirt transformations – from old T-shirt to infinity scarf!' with Marla from Pictou County Solid Waste, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Westville Library. THURSDAY, April 7 AA’s Pictou Hr. Group meets at 8 p.m. on the Old Pictou Road and at 8:30 p.m. the HOW Group meets on East River Road in New Glasgow. Weekly Soup Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Hall (Pictou). All are welcome. There is no charge, however freewill donations are accepted. Knitting and Crocheting Group (drop-in), 3–4:30 p.m., Pictou Library. Bring your own yarn and needles, patterns and written instructions will be available. For info contact the library. ToddleTime (18 months–3 yrs), 6:15–7:15 p.m., Stellarton Library. LEGOs @ the Library, 3–4 p.m., New Glasgow Library. Families and children, all are welcome. Thursday Night Book Club, 6:157:15 p.m., River John Library. Join us for some 'book talk' - to find out the selected book for this month's book or for info call the library. "Lead poisoning in Wildlife and Non-Lead Angling and Hunting" with speaker Helene van Doninck, DVM from the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, 7–8 p.m., Pictou Library. Lead poisoning in wildlife happens where lead-based ammunition and fishing tackle are used and the non-lead ammo there will also be discussion on the tackle exchange program in Nova Scotia. This project was undertaken with the financial support of Environment and Climate Change Canada. All are welcome. Puppet show for the whole family, Pictou library, 2 p.m. “The Smartie Garden” and “Mysterious Egg”. FRIDAY, April 8 AA’s Trenton 24-Hr. Group meets at 8 p.m. on Pleasant Street, Trenton and at 8 p.m. Hope Group meets at the Sister Catherine Steel Centre, Lourdes. Knitting circle, 10–11 a.m. with the RJ Square Knitters, River John Library and from 1–2 p.m. in the Stellarton Library with the Stellar Knitters. Toddletime, 10–11 a.m., Westville Library and 10:45-11:45 a.m. at the Stellarton Library. A program for toddlers 18 months to 3 years and parents/caregivers. Gamers Afterschool @ Library (drop-in), 3–5 p.m., Westville Library. Join us for a drop-in gaming session for children ages 8-14. Chase the Ace, River John Legion. Tickets on sale from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with draw at 9 p.m. Proceeds to support the River John Legion and the River John Community HUB. Jam session, River John Legion, 7-10 p.m. All welcome. Chase the Ace, Stellar Curling Club, Foord St., Stellarton, 6-8 p.m. with ticket draw at 8:15 p.m. SATURDAY, April 9 Auction 45s, 7 p.m., New Horizons Club, Pictou. Adm. $5 (includes tickets for 50/50, door prize, pool and mystery). Tatamagouche Legion #64 and North Shore Rec. Centre presents, The Queen of Hearts, 2-4 p.m. Play $2 per ticket and be there at 4:15 p.m. to win. Everyone welcome. AA’s Easy Does It Group meets at 8 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Westville. Seniors Relay sale, 474 Scotsburn Rd, West Branch, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. New items weekly. Proceeds for the Fuel Fund for district seniors. Saturday Morning Puppetry Club, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Pictou Library. Crafty Saturday (drop-in) with a Spring theme, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Trenton Library. Family LEGO time @ the Library, 3–4:30 p.m., Pictou Library. Imagination Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Stellarton Library; 10 a.m.–3 p.m., River John Library and Westville Library. Scotsburn United Church Spring Pancake Breakfast, 8-10:30 a.m., Scotsburn United Church. Enjoy pancakes with local maple syrup, whipped cream and blueberry sauce, maple sausage, homemade baked beans, juice, tea and coffee. Gluten-free option available! $8 per adult and $4 per child! Enjoy great local entertainment while kick-starting your day with a breakfast. All are welcome. Musical Jam Session, St. John's hall River John, 7 p.m. $5 each. Lunch served. Spaghetti supper, Merigomish United Church, 4-6 p.m. Spaghetti, garlic bread, dessert, tea and coffee. $10 ($5 for children's portion). 'Laughter Yoga' session with Shelley Ballantyne, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, 1:30–2:30 p.m., New Glasgow Library. An old time dance in the Lorne Community hall, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Music by the Bible Hill Swingsters. Admission $6. River John and District Lions Club is hosting a bottle drive with funds going to upgrading the Lions Children’s Park. SUNDAY, April 10 AA’s Hope Group meets at 12:30 p.m. at the Sister Catherine Steele Centre, Stellarton. There is an information meeting at 2:30 p.m. at the Pictou Detox. The Pictou Hr. Group meets at 8 p.m. on Old Pictou Road and the HOW Group meets at 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, East River Road, New Glasgow. Little Harbour Fire Department annual pancake and sausage breakfast at Little Harbour Community Centre, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tickets available from firefighters or at the door. SPRING INTO SONG: The Saltsprings, Scotsburn-Lyon's Brook Pastoral Charge invites you to attend a very special musical event at Scotsburn United Church at 7 p.m. featuring a mass choir from local churches in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, a Christian response to hunger. There is no admission but donation envelopes will be available. Refreshment and social time to follow. MONDAY, April 11 A beginner rug hooking class will be running from May 2 to June 6 on Mondays at the New Horizons Club, Pictou. If interested call Cindy at 902-755-6209 before April 18. TUESDAY April 12 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) by appointment only (please call 902-755-6031 to make an appointment), 1–4 p.m., New Glasgow Library. The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program will be running each Tuesday afternoon (and select Thursdays) until April 26th in this location. Community volunteers trained by the Canada Revenue Agency will provide a free income tax return assistance program for seniors and low income Canadians to file their annual returns. Wheelchair-accessible. Please bring all income tax papers and receipts for income and deductions. Pictou County Naturalists Club presents speakers Kathy Dodds (talking about Miners Marsh) & Steve Vines (doing a photo journey of his nature trip to California), 6:30–8 p.m., New Glasgow Library. For more info contact the library. All are welcome! Community Events listings are available free of charge for non-profits. Deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Fridays. Email marjorie@ pictouadvocate.com. No phone calls. Religion 17 The Advocate April 6, 2016 www.pictouadvocate.com Spring Into Song works to end hunger SCOTSBURN – Choir singers from churches in western Pictou County will come together on April 10 to sing in support of small-scale farmers in developing countries who struggle to grow enough food to feed their families. Funds raised will be donated to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, to be used in the work of ending global hunger and helping farm families grow more and better food. “We’re excited about enjoying an entertaining evening together as a community — but also doing something which is helping others,” says Danny MacKay, a member of Scotsburn United Church and one of the concert organizers. Performing at the concert are members of the Choirs of St. Luke's United Church (Salt Springs), West River Presbyterian Charge, Bethel Presbyterian Church (Scotsburn) and Scotsburn – Lyon's Brook United Churches accompanied by Stewart Munro. A number of youth and children will also be taking part. This event organized by the Faith in Action Team of Salt Springs, Scotsburn–Lyon's Brook United Churches is one of about 70 similar concerts across Canada this Spring, all being offered to benefit the work of Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The program features the original music of Ron Klusmeier. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Scotsburn United Church, 3731 Scotsburn Road, highway #256 There is no admission fee for the concert, but donation envelopes will be available at the door. One hundred per cent of contributions received will be forwarded directly to Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Furthermore, donations made at the concert will be amplified by additional financial support from the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada. “The concerts are a way to showcase the joy of making music together, and also to help others in need. It’s going to be a great experience,” adds MacKay. Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end global hunger. In the 2013-14 budget year, the Foodgrains Bank provided $42 million of assistance for 1.2 million people in 42 countries. Canadian Foodgrains Bank projects are undertaken with matching support from the Government of Canada. For more information contact Scotsburn United Church at 902 485-8218 or Rev. Jim WebberCook at 902 752-3766. From left: Mike Hollis and Danny MacKay examine information pertaining to the Spring Into Song event taking place Sunday at Scotsburn United Church. (Goodwin photo) FIRST PRESBYTERIAN – PICTOU Rev. Gary Tonks conducted the service. During Storytime, he showed tools used for chiseling and carving wood, clay, stone and other materials. He pointed out places in the sanctuary where these tools would have been used. He said our brains are the material upon which we "chisel" (aka record) in our memory bank. By reviewing what we have seen, done and learned, we remember... and these visuals help to create our spiritual knowledge. Because of this, we must try to only put good stuff in our heads. The choir, under the direction of Joan Clark, sang Because He Lives. The offering was gathered by Gerry Davidson and David Munro; Allan Munro presented the cart for the food bank. Readings were from Acts 5:27-32; Revelations 1:4-8; John 20:19-31. The sermon, titled More Signs, was addressing the ques- tion, How do we know that Jesus truly did die on a cross and rose from the dead? Tonks said unlike the eye witnesses to these events, we need to rely on their accounts. Do we believe their story? Or do we discount it and move on with our lives? We have memories of the stories of what Jesus' disciples saw, heard, touched, spoke of and wrote about. We will progress in our faith if we believe these accounts as facts and use them to strengthen our faith when we partake of communion- the spiritual food we need to grow in grace and hope. We will not all be called like Peter, or His disciples, nor can we expect Him to call us by name as He did Mary at the tomb; but He will call us when He needs us, where He needs us, if and when the eyes and ears of our mind are ready to respond to Him. We just don't always recognize this blessed call. Submitted by Carol MacKay FIRST UNITED BAPTIST – NEW GLASGOW Katie Warren and Caleb Archibald will join other high school students travelling to Guatemala this summer as part of a mission trip. They will have an opportunity to be personally trained and mentored by Kingwood University students as part of the Ecclesia Project. The youth are seeking prayer support, encouragement and financial assistance. There was much to celebrate at First Baptist Church on Sunday: The mortgage was shredded (seven years early). Two youths (Caleb Archibald and Katie Warren) shared a video of their plans for mission work in Guatemala this summer as part of Kingswood University’s Ecclesia Project. The Search Committee reported they are in conversation with a prospective pastor. Rose Rudolph reminded the children and the church family of Canadian Baptist Ministries’ campaign, “She Matters Too,” that seeks gender equity, to educate and empower some of the world’s marginalized girls and women. On the first Sunday of each month, communion is celebrated, gifts for the benevolent fund (for local needs in the community) are collected, and the church family share Koinonia (fellowship) in the church hall recognizing those members who have a birthday and/or anniversary during the month. Pastor Gordon Sutherland’s sermon entitled, Face of Doubt. Face of Peace” is the first in a series, Face to Face with Jesus. He used John 20:24-29 as his scripture text. Sutherland mentioned that Thomas had many admirable traits; he did not rely on the experience of others to be the source of his faith, he remained faithful in the midst of doubt and he was able to articulate his doubt. It is worth noting that Jesus did not scold Thomas for his doubt. In fact, Jesus invited Thomas to touch his wounds and see for himself. A Teen Challenge presentation will be hosted at First Baptist on April 24 at 10:30 a.m. A work day at Camp Pagweak will be held on May 7 and 14; lunch provided. The Billy Graham Reconnexion Seminar will be held at Second Baptist on April 20, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Submitted by George Henaut (Submitted photo) ST ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN – NEW GLASGOW TRINITY UNITED – NEW GLASGOW Greeting at the door was Ron MacNutt. The Christ candle was lit by Kale and Brooke MacNeill. Participants in worship were Rev. Donna Tourneur and special guest Gail Clark, Amnesty International, fieldworker Nova Scotia. Tourneur asked if anyone had ever been afraid and asked to share their stories. She spoke of the gospel story and being afraid and how faith helps. She read scripture from John 20:1931. SHARONS ST JOHN – STELLARTON The bulletin was donated by the U.C.W. Greeters were Robert MacLeod and Catherine Stone; the Christ candle was lit by Helen Cruickshank. Gail Kay from the worship committee was the service leader. Amanda MacIntosh, choir director, worked with the children and young at heart on a favourite song with actions, Are You Happy and You Know It. Joyce MacPherson read Acts 5: 1 -32 and Revelation 1: 4-8. The anthem was No, Not Me! The message with scripture song and prayer was delivered by Pastor Caroline Barclay from the Master’s Hand Ministry - If you believe in My life, in My death, In My resurrection and accept Me in your heart - you are saved from final death into eternal life, into your hands. These were her remarks expressed on bookmarks for everyone. She concluded her messages in song Jesus Loves Me, Because He Lives and In The Garden. Catherine Stone, in her Minute for Mission, read about the struggles in Syria. Prayers of the people were read by Violet Cameron. Donations were made to the General Fund in memory of Fred Arbuckle and Kenny Taylor. The volunteer banquet for our UCW representative, Joyce MacPherson, will be held April 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the town hall Submitted by Gail Kay Given the perspective of disciples looked away for fear of the authorities, and Thomas’ invitation to touch the wounds of Jesus, Tourneur invited the congregation to touch the woundedness of the many seeking safety as she shared the story of the Almethyb family from Syria. Their story gives us a glimpse of so many others, she said. The Almethyb family escaped from their homeland Syria to find a new home with open arms. The music team of Sarah English, Lori Miller, Karen Crowley, director of music, chose for the special music Domine Deus. Gail Clark spoke as an Amnesty International an activist and how the work with the premise that everyone has rights and shared The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On April 4 in Canada, Refugee Rights in Canada is celebrated. Clark continued speaking about Amnesty International’s program Amnesty Refugee Champagne and how there is a global refugee crisis. Letters can be sent to the government asking for more work to help in this crisis. A video was shown the work of the Mission and Service Fund and what is being done to help refugees in Syria. After worship there was a meet and welcome for the Almethyb family in the auditorium with a light lunch being offered. Submitted by Brenda Sterling Goodwin Worshippers were greeted by Shirley Haggart and Pat MacKay. Members of the Church Session led the service. Wally Sutherland opened the service with the prelude and the call to worship. Pat MacKay led the responsive Prayer of Adoration and Confession and read the scriptures. The choir’s anthem was, You Tell Me That the Lord is Risen. During the time with the children, organist Sandra Johnson told them the story of Doubting Thomas who had to see to believe. She said Christians are followers who believe without having seen the risen Lord. Happy are those who do not see but still believe. In place of a sermon, Johnson and the choir led a hymn sing of hymns chosen by members of the congregation. Marie Langille led the Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer. Shirley Forbes led the Liturgy of Response. Following the service, Gale Langille, Jeannie Johnson, Lorne Smith and Karen Sutherland were the hosts for refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. Submitted by Shirley Haggart Notice of Community Information Meetings to the Residents and Ratepayers of the Municipality of the County of Pictou and towns of New Glasgow, Pictou and Stellarton regarding the proposed amalgamation. District 3 District 13 Town of Pictou District 7 Bay View, Braeshore, Waterside, Central Caribou, Three Brooks, Caribou River, Caribou Island Caribou Fire Hall Wednesday, April 6th – 7 pm Thorburn, Coalburn, Telford, Sutherlands River, McPhersons Mills Thorburn Fire Hall Tuesday, April 12th – 7 pm deCoste Centre, Pictou Wednesday, April 20th – 6:30 pm Loch Broom, Sylvester, Alma, Greenhill, Union Centre, White Hill Northumberland Regional High School Wednesday, May 11th – 7 pm District 8 District 4 Central West River, Salt Springs, Limerock, Brookland, Millbrook West River Fire Hall Wednesday, April 6th – 7 pm Toney River, Seafoam, Cape John, Marshville, River John, Hedgeville, Louisville, Welsford, Hodson River John Hub Community Centre Wednesday, April 13th – 6:30 pm District 1 District 1 Merigomish, Big Island, Lismore, Lower Barney’s River, Ponds, Knoydart, Baileys Brook Lismore Community Centre Thursday, April 7th – 6:30 pm Broadway, Kenzieville, Marshy Hope, Barneys River Station Kenzieville Community Centre Thursday, April 14th – 6:30 pm District 9 Abercrombie, Granton, Mt. William Abercrombie Fire Hall Thursday, April 7th – 6:30 pm District 5 & 6 West Branch, Loganville, Diamond, Scotch Hill, Lyons Brook, Scotsburn, Hardwood Hill, Heathbell Scotsburn Fire Hall Monday, April 11th – 7 pm Town of Stellarton NSCC Stellarton Cafeteria Thursday, April 14th – 6:30 pm District 10 Linacy, Hillside, Pine Tree, Woodburn Linacy Fire Hall Thursday, April 21st - 6:30 pm District 14 Springville, Bridgeville, Glencoe, Sunny Brae East River Valley Fire Hall Thursday, April 21st - 7 pm District 2 Little Harbour, Chance Harbour, Kings Head, Melmerby Beach, Black Point Little Harbour Community Centre Thursday, April 28th – 6:30 pm Blue Mountain, Moose River, Garden of Eden, Eden Lake, Rocky Mountain, East River St. Mary’s Blue Mountain Fire Hall Tuesday, April 19th – 6:30 pm Pictou Landing Pictou Landing Fire Hall Tuesday, May 3rd – 6:30 pm Ward 3 Westside New Glasgow Westside Community Centre Tuesday, May 10th – 6:30 pm Learn more by attending one of our upcoming events or visit our website. North End New Glasgow North End Recreation Centre Thursday, May 12th – 6:30 pm Lunch & with QueLearn ens Summer Street Ind ustr Thursday , April 14th ies – noon Guest Sp eake District 2 District 14 Ward 2 Christoph r er Clarke, Region o Mayor f Queen s Join us to hea of Queens, r about the region now 20 ye ars into amalgam ation. onepictoucounty.ca 18 Community Local woman off to WACs in Amsterdam A local woman is among the two Nova Scotia athletes heading to Amsterdam with their dogs to represent Canada at the World Agility Championships. Sarah LeBlanc of Green Hill, with her dog Bo, will join Andre Landry of Bible Hill and his dog Crash, at the IFCS World Agility Championships, which take place April 13 to 17 in the Dutch capital. Janice Cruikshank of Caribou Island will also attend the Amsterdam event as a spectator. She and her double doodle pooch, Kenzie, train with LeBlanc and Landry during the winter months at the William M. Sobey Indoor Sports Complex in Stellarton. Both Bo and Crash are border collies; LeBlanc has been training with her dog for six years. This is not the first time either LeBlanc or Landry have competed in this event. The Advocate April 6, 2016 HAM & POTATO SALAD DINNER WITH DESSERT In support of the Pictou Lobster Carnival. Thursday, April 14, 2016 11 am - 2 pm $10 each CALL FOR ORDERS: Marion MacDonald 902-485-6205 Margo Hawes 902-485-6025 Shawn McNamara 902-771-0493 TAKE-OUT AND DELIVERY ONLY we do that PICK UP AT STELLA MARIS HALL PICTOU www.pictouadvocate.com THERE ARE 10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE SPRING SALE! PRINTED RACK CARDS Get 500 for 90 $ plus tax Other quantities: 1000 cards .......$160 2500 cards ..... $375 5000 cards ..... $475 2-sided, colour, 4x9” | Offer good until April 30th ASK ABOUT OUR TARGETED DISTRIBUTION! PICTOU: 181 Brown’s Point Rd. (902) 485-1990 HALIFAX | DIEPPE | BRIDGEWATER | SAINT JOHN | ST. STEPHEN Your local print and communications experts for over 100 years Learn the other nine warning signs at www.tenwarningsigns.ca or 1-800-611-6345