Truro Buzz

Events in Truro and Colchester County, NS

Tell Me What’s A-Happenin’

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Celebrating Rotary Week

It’s Rotary Week and, despite having a challenging year like no other, the Truro Rotarians have a lot to look back on and celebrate this week.

“With COVID-19 disrupting the way we have traditionally done things, our club was forced to rethink our initiatives in many ways,” says Jane Gourley-Davis, Rotary Club of Truro President. “Our club immediately went to Zoom weekly meetings, allowing us to stay connected and engaged; our Bollywood event became the community’s first take-out fundraiser, raising $10,000 for us to give back to our community; and (though) all travel-related initiatives had to be postponed, our Rotary Yearbook, was able to continue, largely unchanged.”

The Rotary Club of Truro turns 95 this year and continues to work hard to solve real problems in our community through effort, commitment, and vision. Their main focus locally is to support youth and individuals with disabilities. For example, they have provided a significant donation for the construction of the Colchester Community Workshops Rotary House, as well as providing on-going hands-on support towards operating the facility. Local club members also serve as directors on the Workshop and Foundation boards.

Club members are also involved in operating the Christmas Index program in Truro, which supported 620 families and 825 children this past year. In addition, the Club provides thousands of dollars annually of financial assistance for specialized medical treatment, adaptive equipment or other costs (not covered by MSI or private insurance) to local residents who are in need.

The members of the Rotary Club of Truro are always looking for new ways to connect with the community and make an impact. Each year, the Club provides thousands of dollars in bursaries to students and to organizations and groups to provide services, spaces and resources, primarily for youth. In addition to sponsoring youth to attend Camp Tidnish, assisting with facility upkeep and supporting the CMHA building campaign, this year saw the development of the Portapique Build Up Project and Debert Elementary School Playground Project in response to the tragedy that took place in our communities this time last year.

Many hands at work on the Portapique Community Build Up Project, including involvement from Portapique residents.

The major fundraisers for the Rotary Club of Truro are the annual Rotary Yearbook, which raises thousands of dollars that goes directly back into the community, and Bollywood Night, which has raised close to $85,000 for the community over the past seven years. This year a cheque for $3,500 was presented to the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society to be used for new child and youth grief programming.

The reach of the Rotary Club is both near and far. It is worldwide and it is close to home. Rotary members are community and business leaders representing different professions, experiences, and perspectives but with a shared desire to connect with others to address the challenges affecting our community and communities around the world. We are so lucky to have passionate members in our community working hard every day to improve conditions for those in need.

“What I’ll recall of my time as President during this year, in which we were distinctly close to home, is Rotary’s commitment to our local community,” says Gourley-Davis, “and (initiatives like) our annual Yearbook’s ability to very clearly show just how dedicated our community continues to be.”

To find out more information about the projects of the Rotary Club of Truro or, if you would like to look into becoming a member, please visit www.rotarycluboftruro.ca or follow them on Facebook.

Tell Me What’s A-Happenin’

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Sexual Assault Awareness in the Spotlight

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre (CSAC) is taking the opportunity to emphasize the importance of talking about sexual assault, particularly after this past year of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. 

  • Jamie Matthews – Executive Director, CSAC

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a great opportunity for organizations like ours to shed light on a topic that often gets overlooked,” says Jamie Matthews, CSAC Executive Director. “Sexual violence affects everyone, but since there are so many myths (see below) and negative perceptions that deter people from getting the support they need, not everyone realizes how widespread it actually is. Sexual Assault Awareness Month, particularly the 2021 campaign, is even more important because cases have been steadily increasing since the pandemic first began.

“Call volumes into our Community Resource Centre have quadrupled over the past year due to the isolation and instability the pandemic has caused.”

As CSAC celebrates its 25th anniversary, the staff and board felt that now was the perfect time to introduce their new program, Aftercare: Journey Program. Dedicated to supporting those impacted by sexual violence in a gender-equitable, compassionate environment since 1996, CSAC will continue to provide up to twelve individual counselling sessions free of charge for those impacted by sexual violence. After completing this initial offering of twelve sessions, clients will now have the opportunity to “graduate” into the Aftercare: Journey Program to further support their healing journey. 

There are five distinct themes that make up the aftercare program: understanding self-esteem, identifying values, boundaries and healthy relationships, effective communication techniques and self-forgiveness. Once the aftercare program is completed, either in person or virtually, clients will be given a tool kit filled with applicable resources and can be referred to other local organizations from the CSAC’s list of referral partners in the community who offer complimentary services. 

“We are incredibly proud to unveil this new program to our clients across Colchester, East Hants and Cumberland counties,” says Matthews. “We are confident that our highly trained and specialized team of counselling therapists can deliver the highest quality of care to our clients along their healing journey. That’s what Awareness Month means to us. We’re not just bringing awareness to the issue, but we’re bringing awareness to the resources that are available, and (letting people know) that the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre is here to help.”

Because sexual violence impacts everyone, CSAC remains open and available to everyone. The highly trained, diverse and specialized team of five masters level counselling therapists have experience directly supporting women, men, youth, 2SLGBTQI+ and all gender identities, as well as minority and marginalized groups in need of support. Through counselling, education, prevention, awareness, and advocacy, CSAC is working to help strengthen and empower those impacted by sexual violence, while working toward its prevention.

For more information on programs and services offered by the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre, or to safely and securely book an appointment, please visit www.colchestersac.ca, phone 902.897.4366 or email info@colchestersac.ca. You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. All requests and conversations are treated with the highest standards of confidentiality and will never be share with anyone without your consent.

Stop Asian Violence

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Hi everyone! My name is Reyna Bilby and I’m a 4th year sociology major at Dalhousie University. Last  time you saw me, I joined Truro Buzz in a conversation about Black Lives Matter and being an ally to the  community. This time I’m back because for the first time in a long time my community is under attack. My  parents raised a proud Filipino Canadian woman and I’ve always shared my identity with pride. But with the  recent increase in violence against Asians, I’m scared, and I know other Asians are as well.  

Due to the association of covid-19 with China, many people have been taking their anger out on  members of the Asian community. Recent statistics from the US have shown that there have been 500 attacks against Asians in the past 2 months. These attacks range from verbal abuse on the streets, to a Filipino man being  slashed in the face while traveling home, the murder of 8 Asian women in American this past week. 

This isn’t the first time Asians in Canada and the United States have experienced a radical increase in  hate crimes. These increases were seen during World War II, the Korean War, and during the war in Vietnam.  But I like to think, as a society, we are better now then we were then. It’s easy to get sucked in by the media and have our opinions swayed when we’re presented with very compelling false information. However, picking a  fight with the Asian community will not solve the pandemic nor is it productive in any other way.  

Attacking Asians is not the solution to any of your problems. 

Attacking Asians will not stop the spread of covid-19.  

 Attacking Asians will not cure the disease. 

We are not your scapegoat. 

We need to prevent a normalization of racism against Asians. In Truro we have some amazing Asian owned and operated businesses and now is the time to show your support. In addition to showing love to  members of our community, be sure to take some time to investigate the information you may come across on  the internet. This will prevent the spread of misinformation that has been contributing to the hate crimes. Finally,  I just wanted to take time to remind everyone that placing the blame for the corona virus on a single race of  people will not bring any good into the world. During such uncertain times the world does not need more hate.  We need to lift each other up because we’re all in this together.

Blog by : Reyna Bilby – 4th year Sociology major and proud member of the Asian-Canadian community.

How To Stay Fit and Healthy During Covid -19

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Blog by : Stephanie Hayward of mylifeboost.com

For more great articles that showcase how we live, work, and play in Colchester County, visit Truro Buzz!

Photo via Rawpixel

How to Continue to Stay Healthy and Active During COVID-19

If you’re an active individual, you may be having a difficult time adjusting to the changes brought on by COVID-19. Restrictions are in place at our gyms, yoga classes, and community rec centers. Despite these changes, it’s incredibly important to eat well and stay active during a time like this. Taking care of your body will help you stave off illness and boost your mental health, so you can make it through this difficult time. Check out the following resources home workout ideas and other wellness tips!

Find a Full-Body Workout Plan

Crafting your own full-body workout program will help you make the most of your at-home workout sessions. Just make sure you have the right equipment!

Full Body vs. Split Training: What the Science Says

How to Build Your Home Gym on a Shoestring

Five Tips for Working Out at Home

Design a Home Yoga Studio

Practicing yoga is a great way to improve flexibility and range of motion to prevent injury during your workouts. Yoga also has several mental health benefits! 

How Doing Yoga and Stretching Benefit Your Overall Wellbeing and Mental Health

Create Your Own Home Yoga Studio & Practice

13 Best Yoga Stretches to Do Every Day to Ease Stiffness and Pain

Bring More Mindfulness Onto the Mat

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating a variety of healthy foods will support your immune system and help you stay energized during those long days stuck inside.

Work With a Wellness Professional for a Customized Nutrition Plan

What to Eat Before and After Your Workout

Best Online Grocery Delivery Services

30 Best Foods That Give You All-Day Energy

8 Easy Tips to Make Your Weekly Meal Prep a Breeze

Get Enough Sleep

Good quality sleep is important for muscle repair and growth following a strenuous workout.

This Is What Getting 8 Hours Sleep Does for Muscle Growth

Stress About COVID-19 Keeping You Awake? 6 Tips for Better Sleep

How to Make a Bedroom Environment Sleep-Friendly

The coronavirus outbreak has caused some serious disruptions to our lives. While you may not be able to attend your favorite fitness classes or hit the gym, you can still stay active and healthy in the comfort of your own home. Design a home workout plan, set up a yoga studio in your guest room, get in the habit of prepping healthy meals, and find ways to improve your sleep. With a little hard work, you’ll come out of quarantine healthier than ever!

WE ARE HIRING!!!

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Truro Buzz Secret Nova Scotia Tour Coordinator

Are you an outgoing personality comfortable with leading a group? Do you like to entertain as well as educate? Truro Buzz has an amazing opportunity for you to spend your days exploring the North Shore of Nova Scotia! As the Secret Nova Scotia Tour Coordinator, you will guide tourists through all the hot spots on single day excursions sampling the best of the rural communities in this area!

Your primary focus will be the day-to-day operations of booking tours and being the engaging guide that leads them! Our goal is to accurately showcase the greatest local places to dine, visit and experience!

The position will have a starting wage of 15.00/hour for a minimum of 30 hours/week with the opportunity for 40 hours/week as the tour season progresses.

Job Responsibilities are:

  • Booking of tour packages and coordinating with clients.
  • Guiding small tour groups on our packaged tours while describing points of interest along the way, as well as being able to answer questions.
  • Be able to stick to a strict itinerary and time table
  • Available to work weekends
  • Be sure waivers are signed and collected
  • Some administrative duties 
  • Future Tour development

Qualified Candidates must:

If you meet the criteria above and would like to join our team, please submit your resume to alicia@trurobuzz.com. Check out trurobuzz.com and oobounds.ca for more info on the businesses!

Tell Me What’s A-Happenin’

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Celebrating Women.

By Sam Madore

I like any day where I have an excuse to celebrate all of the incredible women in my life.

For International Women’s Day this year, the theme is two-fold: challenging gender inequality when we see it and celebrating the achievements of women everywhere.

I don’t know about you, but I’m on board for both of those things.

In Colchester county alone, I can think of dozens of women who are working hard to improve our communities. Bringing people together, inspiring change, supporting one another…

I dare you to think of a committee or a cause or an activity where there isn’t a hard working woman behind the scenes helping to make it all happen.

Some may think: “We’ve come so far, why do we even need an International Women’s Day anymore?”

And, to that, I say: “Yes, we’ve come a long way, but there is still such a long way to go.”

If you think that there isn’t any more work to do, just remember that, just this year, there was controversy when the then president of the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee, Yoshiro Mori, chastised women for talking too much during meetings. In a CBC article, he is quoted as saying, “If we increase the number of female board members, we have to make sure their speaking time is restricted somewhat, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying.” 

(Pause for shuddering)

Thankfully, he has recently been replaced (by a woman). But, for this type of dialogue to still be happening in 2021, we have a clear sign that our work is ongoing.

If you need an example of why we still need a day to celebrate women and to call out inequality that’s a bit closer to home, just do a quick google search on the increase in human trafficking that’s taking place right now in our area and in our province. 

I think our instinct is often to think, “This isn’t happening here. At home. In 2021.” We can call it some form of self preservation and turn a blind eye, but the reality is that it is happening. And we can help by educating ourselves, offering our support and action, and calling out the dangers that are taking place behind closed doors in our own backyards. 

Day to day, women continue to face a wage gap, stigmas around having children, not having children, breastfeeding, not breastfeeding, maternity leave, menstruation, menopause, aging, standing up for yourself, not standing up for yourself, and the list goes on… Simply calling yourself a feminist carries a stigma, for heavens sake. As if there is anything wrong with advocating for equality.

Luckily, there has been a shift. Luckily, there are so many women and men who are advocates, who are feminists, who “get it” and who are working together to bridge the gap. Luckily, we have days like International Women’s Day where we talk about how incredible women are and encourage people to have these conversations every. damn. day.

And, if you need help finding a woman in our local area who is doing amazing things and is worthy of celebrating on any day, but especially on International Women’s Day, feel free to reach out to me. I have a very long list to pull from… 

Fun March Break Ideas

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Now that it’s March it’s hard not to wait impatiently for the snow to melt and the flowers to bloom. Hard not to think about longer days and taking leisurely walks outside. Another sure sign spring is around the corner is March Break (any one else with kids have PTSD from last years ‘extended’ March Break?). For many, March Break allows children – or entire families – to take a much needed break. 

Check out some of the fun activities going on right here in Colchester County, during the week of March 15th-19th, that will help keep everyone active and entertained.

March Break Fun in Bible Hill!

Would you like to get out and have some fun this March Break in Bible Hill?  Come on out to our free events being held each day!

  • Monday March 16 – Come try snowshoeing, 2pm to 4pm at Bible Hill Recreation Park, Guest Drive
  • Tuesday March 17 – Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, 2pm to 4pm at Pat Mahaney Mountain Bike Trail, Warren Drive
  • Wednesday March 18 – Free Skate, 12pm to 2pm at Deuville’s Rink, Harmony Road, and, Free Swim, 2pm to 4pm at Scotia Pool, Dr. Bernie MacDonald Drive
  • Thursday March 19 – Sledding Party, 2pm to 4pm at Bible Hill Recreation Park, Guest Drive, and, Free Swim, 2pm to 4pm at Scotia Pool, Dr. Bernie MacDonald Drive
  • Friday March 20 – Free Skate, 12pm to 2pm at Deuville’s Rink, Harmony Road, and, Free Swim, 2pm to 4pm at Scotia Pool, Dr. Bernie MacDonald Drive, and, Free Bowling, 3:30pm to 5pm at Bible Hill Bowlacade, Jennifer Drive

Plus, all week:

  • Outdoor skating and hockey is available at Meadowland Avenue Park, Meadowland Ave, until 10pm
  • Bible Hill Recreation Park is available for sledding and snowshoeing, Guest Drive, until 10pm (snowshoes available at Village Office, 67 Pictou Road)

Outdoor activities are weather permitting.  Obey ice surface signage.  

Questions? 

Contact: Josh Kennedy, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: 9028938083
Email:  josh.kennedy@biblehill.ca

Get ready for March Break at Clay Cafe Truro!

OPEN EVERYDAY through March Break Week from 12-6pm. Paint in our studio and reserve your table now for March Break or paint your pottery at home March Break with a TO GO KIT. 

FREE 1 day TO GO KIT rental and FREE Delivery is available.

Get all the details on our popular TO GO KIT and rent yours for March Break or make your table reservation to paint in our studio. 

You can do it all in our online shop.

https://www.claycafetruro.ca/shop/

Happy Painting!

It’s Hard Coming Up With New Ways To Entertain The Kids – Inn On Prince

Package options starting at $124 for March Break (or ANY night you want to get away with the family). 

Simply call 902.895.1651 and ask for the Family Fun Package–includes a $25 Greco card, a bag of yummy treats and a glorious 2pm check out. 

Of course, all rates include our Grab & Go breakfast, parking, wifi and access to our pool and fitness centre (based on availability).

SPONSERED BY The Village of Bible Hill

Tell Me What’s a-Happening

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Breaking the Cycle of Violence

Sam Madore

The goals of the Third Place Transition House are simple, not easy. They aim to break down the stigma of abuse within families, continue to partner with local organizations to best support survivors, and improve the overall wellbeing of families by breaking the cycle of violence. During Family Violence Prevention Week and beyond, it is essential to shine a light on the violence that takes place within families, and to let those experiencing violence at home know that, not only are they not alone, there are safe places and people closeby they can lean on.

“Violence against women is a pervasive and complex social problem,” says Emily Stewart, executive director of Third Place Transition House. “We understand that choosing to leave an abusive situation is never easy, but we are here to support through it. Our services are non-judgemental and… we work to create a safe, supportive environment where healing can begin.”

Serving the Truro, Colchester and East Hants regions in Nova Scotia for nearly forty years, Third Place provides shelter and support services all year, around the clock. Services are free and available to any woman over sixteen who is fleeing abuse of any kind – family, domestic, or intimate partner violence, or abuse from a roommate or landlord. Children often accompany their mothers and have access to a large outdoor playground and an indoor playroom full of toys. 

Confidentiality and safety are key. If you are someone looking for shelter, a stay typically lasts six weeks and includes food, toiletries, and other basic necessities. If you are looking for someone to talk to, to answer questions, or to access resources without looking for shelter, there is not even a need to leave your name. Here are some of the many different ways the Third Place Transition House provides safe, essential community support:

  • A 24-hour crisis support line (902-893-3232) that you can call at any time to talk to someone about your situation or to make a plan to change. 
  • If you are looking for shelter, a staff member will do a phone assessment with you and create a safety plan for leaving. 
  • If you are not looking for shelter, Third Place also provides public education through outreach or family support services. 
  • Staff are available to meet one on one to provide counselling, court accompaniment, assistance with paperwork, applying for emergency protection orders, providing referrals to income assistance, subsidized housing, legal aid and parenting supports, and other essential services.
  • As a service provider working to protect the wellbeing of children, staff at Third Place have a duty to report any abuse. If you have stayed at the shelter and then choose to return to an abusive situation, staff will encourage you to contact child welfare, or will do so on your behalf. 

“We believe that families thrive and grow within a healthy environment,” says Stewart. “And healthy relationships build healthy families, which create healthy communities. We look forward to being part of more advancements in keeping women and children safe in their homes for years to come.”

To find out more information about the Third Place Transition House, its services and staff, visit www.thirdplaceth.ca.

Tell Me What’s a-Happenin’

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Get Active + Boost Your Mental Health (Long John’s Optional;)

Sam Madore

I think everyone will agree that events are currently not what they used to be. And, until we can get back to some sort of normalcy, that trend is likely going to continue. When it came to deciding on this year’s Truro’s Winter Long John Festival, the Town of Truro staff were determined to keep this long standing event alive through the pandemic in new and creative ways.

“It is important that we move forward with this event because we still want people to get out, be active and enjoy their community to boost their mental health,” says Megan Burgess, special events and culture coordinator for the Town of Truro. “Even though we can’t have our traditional events, we feel that individuals will still benefit from getting outside and enjoying all that winter has to offer.”

Megan Burgess, Truro Parks & Rec

This year, people are being encouraged to create their own individual activities that mirror the traditional group activities that have become a staple of the Long John Festival since it began in 2007. This year, people are being encouraged to track their own participation in activities like snowshoeing, sledding, skating, hiking, building a snowman, and more through a winter passport. Prizes are up for grabs as an added incentive to participate and, even wearing your long johns to work can get you one step closer to potentially winning a prize.

Photo by Saffron Morriz Photography

One addition to this year’s festival is the creation of a story trail, which combines literacy and physical activity by displaying the pages of a book in sequence along a community walking trail. The idea of incorporating a story trail into this year’s Long John Festival came up as a collaboration between Town staff and two Truro and Area Community Health Board members, Mandy Moore and Joel Taylor. Following this initial partnership conversation, the decision was made to showcase the book Hank’s Ball, a children’s book about grief, written by local authors Sam Madore (yours truly;) and Joey Schurman, and illustrated by local artist Amanda Bent. 

“Given the hardships that many of our residents have faced this past year, we thought it was important to focus on mental health,” says Burgess. “The story trail allows us to do this in a non-traditional way by using a relatable story to encourage healthy outdoor activity. We chose this particular book as it normalizes grief and its effect on mental health and it explains emotions in a way that is easily understood.”

Now more than ever, we need to keep our mental health a top priority in our day to day lives. Having these friendly reminders sprinkled throughout the Town – nudging us to get outside, get active, be safe, and take care of ourselves – is getting us one step closer to making it through these tough days of winter. 

Hank’s Ball will be displayed on the trail along Kiwanis Pond in Truro starting on Friday, February 12. You can find the most up-to-date information on this year’s modified Truro Winter Long John Festival, including details on the winter passport and prizes, on the Truro Parks Recreation Culture Facebook page.

Photo by Steve Currie

Tell Me What’s A-Happenin’

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Better (and Bigger!) Together with Big Brothers Big Sisters

By Sam Madore

Right now, connection is more important than it has arguably ever been. Loneliness and social isolation can be difficult for any of us on a good day, let alone in the midst of a global pandemic. How great is it that Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) continues to honour their commitment to the vital mentorship relationships they have cultivated, allowing children and youth to still feel those important connections when they matter the most? 

“Kids need support now more than ever,” says Anna Rutherford, marketing and partnerships coordinator at BBBS of Colchester. “There is a real and tangible need for kids to have the stability, positivity and reassurance that a developmental relationship with a mentor provides. We look at adverse childhood experiences to assess the needs of kids in our program, but right now all kids are dealing with the impacts of the pandemic and isolation. We are right here to provide that support, but we need volunteers to do so.”

January is national mentoring month and there is no time like the present to volunteer to become a mentor. In fact, you likely already are one, you just haven’t filled out the paperwork yet;). 

Big – Kiirsti and Little – Missa
at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park

“Mentoring relationships are everywhere,” says Rutherford. “What we can do (at BBBS) is bring out the skills you already have as a mentor (in families, communities, workplaces…) and apply them to a match with a child who needs what you have to offer, and provide support and guidance through the whole experience.”

There are countless examples of when mentorship matches have had a positive impact on both the “Big” and the “Little”. One example of a new match that began during the pandemic was between big sister Kiirsti and little sister Missa. Their relationship started online via Zoom and has since moved to safe, in-person meetings. Despite the challenges that can exist when trying to make an initial connection through a computer screen and text messaging, their relationship has truly blossomed.

Having only just moved to the east coast earlier this year, Kiirsti has viewed having a Little as a great way to make important connections and explore the area. “My favourite thing about being a Big is that I get to hang out with Missa, who enjoys a lot of the same things,” she says. “It’s a great excuse to do fun things like making crafts and going to the park.” 

To find out all about becoming “bigger together” and signing up as a mentor through BBBS of Colchester, visit https://colchester.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/. Whether you are supporting their “Big Bucks” program or taking on the role of a mentor yourself, you will be helping a child in your community. Every year BBBS of Colchester provides service to more than 300 local children and youth through their mentoring programs at no cost to the families or volunteers. 

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we are better when we work together. When we find ways to reach out, connect and help one another, our community and all of the people in it can have a better chance of thriving.