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Events in Truro and Colchester County, NS

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nova scotia

Tell Me What’s A-Happenin’

January 10, 2021 By Truro Buzz

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. 

Filed Under: Community, Family Tagged With: mentoring month, nova scotia, truro, truro buzz

A Year in Review

December 31, 2020 By Truro Buzz

Looking back and moving forward after a year of crashes, growth and what being Nova Scotia Strong really means.

by Alicia Simms

What happened this year? I think it might be easier to cover what didn’t. Instead of winter blooming in to spring, it lead us in to darkness and uncertainty for months. A global pandemic brought our economy and lives to a grinding halt. As we tried to find our individual footings from lay offs, business closures and working from home, all eyes turned to Nova Scotia as we experienced the largest mass murder in Canadian history. Before we could even process this tragic event, a missing child shook our community once again. There was the downtown fire that claimed 4 of our local businesses. When it seemed like Nova Scotia could bear no more heartache, we came together as family, friends and community to show the world what community really meant – what Nova Scotia Strong really meant.

Mar 22- NS announces a state of emergency.

It’s hard for me to comment on a lot of this. I did not personally lose anyone in April, though I know people who did. While my businesses were closed down for three months, I was able to get by with small business relief programs, and the generous support of my clients; some businesses were not so lucky. I cried a lot and didn’t know why. I had emotions I couldn’t process. I went from working more than I could handle to not working at all . I felt lost and out of control, and I knew I wasn’t alone.

Oct 2019, Tasha & I filming the Adult Rec series

2020 was going to be a big year for Truro Buzz, my little passion project turned full-time job – and it still was, but not at all how I expected. We started the year off strong – I had hired my first Truro Buzz employee in 2019, Tasha, and we were accomplishing so much together! We were expanding Truro Buzz by taking on Out of Bounds Adventure Tours and hiring my third employee! As the Coronavirus, now Covid-19, spread, the unthinkable happened. I had to close my doors, lay off my staff, and wait.

I think I might have been in shock that first week, I remember sporadically crying a lot. I was home alone – my partner was working on the other side of the country. There was nothing I could do but watch in awe with the rest of the world as the circumstances unfolded. What could I do to help? I have this platform, this audience, but what can I possibly do to help people right now? Like other businesses, we pivoted (yes, I’m sick of this word too). The weekly newsletter went from being upcoming events to helpful tips on how to work from home, indoor activities for kids, recipes using what you already have in your pantry. Posting on social media was updating people on local business hours, and what restaurants were offering delivery.

Interviewing Chief MacNeil Mar 25

I was extremely lucky to be able to offer live interviews with a series of professionals where people could tune in and ask questions – a local doctor, the Chief of Truro Police, a business coach, a grief counsellor, nutritionist, etc. (you can still watch these on our YouTube channel). No income was coming in but Truro Buzz was serving a higher purpose, and it helped me get through as much as it did our followers. I received SO many emails of encouragement and thanks from people grateful for keeping the newsletter and social media feeds going – despite what was happening. My heart was so full. This is why I started doing Truro Buzz in the first place. I was reconnected with my ‘why’.

Out of so much darkness and pain came so much love and support from businesses and the community- like supporting frontline workers by buying them meals and baked goods from local businesses, and a free delivery service for businesses and individuals unable to get around. Eventually we reopened, and hastily so. I had lost my staff for understandable reasons, but was able to rehire great people and continue on with whatever 2020 had in store. We saw life returning to our county- our businesses reopen, able to celebrate holidays, Pride Week, and Truro host its own Black Lives Matter rally as a part of the biggest civil rights movement in history.

All in all, it’s been a year of learning and we’re still here. I, like so many, looked at the time off as a reset button, and how I wanted to go forward when life resumed. Personally, I felt emotions and grief I’d never felt before. Professionally, I learned what it was like to be held accountable for cultural appropriation and what some considered propaganda posts- what running something like Truro Buzz means exposing yourself to. But I’m still here, taking it all in and learning more every day, and I’m glad that you’re here too.

Tanya, myself and Saffron Sept/20

Filed Under: Community, Family Tagged With: 2020, aliciae, community spirit, nova scotia, novascotiastrong, ns, truro, trurobuzz, year in review

Volunteers Needed!

August 14, 2020 By Truro Buzz

Our community needs your help! If you have any spare time this summer why not give a helping hand to some of our community in need. PLUS Volunteering looks fantastic on your resume! 

Below is a list of organizations in need:

Lotus center:

A form on the website to apply. Don’t have set hours for volunteers, but rather whatever time you can volunteer. Office open Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, occasionally some special events in the evenings and weekends.
Sandi Dunbar- Administrative Assistant 902-895-4295 ext 1

SPCA:

Not currently looking due to COVID. But will need volunteers when they can bring new people into the building again. Typically 4-hour shift and no night shifts.

United Way:

Will be looking for workplaces or groups interested in helping with the Back to School Campaign. Help with school supply and backpack drives. Additionally this year they want to include masks for kids heading to the classroom. Last year they supported 300 students. Anyone interested can email ed@colchester.unitedway.ca

Truro Homeless Outreach Society:

Different positions are available. Each position has it’s the onset of requirements and duties. All volunteers must follow COVID policies.

Shelter Attendent: shifts are daytime, 6:30pm-12am and 12am- 8am.

Shift Manager: 6pm- 10pm on call until 12am. Must have 3 months experience in the shelter attendant position.

Meal Prep Volunteer: prepare meals for 16-20 people using what is available. Hours vary but generally 5 pm-7 pm. Meals can be prep ahead of time or off-site.

Cleaning and Maintenance Volunteer:

No set hours. Responsible for cleaning and maintenance to keep the house in good condition.

Donation Sorting Volunteer:

Day position. Sorting food, clothing, and personal hygiene donations.

Lead Donation Sorter:

Keep accurate and up to date inventory of all donations. Weekly or biweekly visit to the shelter.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Colchester:

Looking for individuals and couples to be “Bigs”. Have a new project that will be launching soon with all contact being virtual for those at higher risk of COVID. Can apply and get more info on the site. https://colchester.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/what-we-do/community-matching/

Slate Youth Centre:

Reopening in Sept with new COVID policies. Still a bit unsure of all positions that will need to be filled but will definitely need volunteers for after school and early evenings. Commitment is 8 hours/month as they are trying to limit the number of people coming and going. For more information contact crystal@slateyouth.ca.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: charity, community, give back, nova scotia, truro, truro buzz, volunteer

Summer Bucket List

August 1, 2020 By Truro Buzz

Contest Alert! Summer’s not over yet so we asked what’s on YOUR summer bucket list and this is what came back! We want to see you checking off your own summer bucket list! If you need suggestions, check out this list of must do’s before the leaves start to fall! Read through to find out how to enter!

Chasin’ Waterfalls
Hiking a new Trail
Cheers to Beers and Cocktails
Ice Cream Dreams
Tidal Bore Rafting
Have a meal on an outdoor patio
Plan a day trip -exploring, eating, site seeing!


Chasin’ Waterfalls
I know TLC told us not to, but you’ve got to go chasin’ waterfalls when there are so many practically in our own backyard!

1. Hidden Falls is located at the edge of the Cobequid Mountains in Five Islands near Parrsboro. You’ll hike past 3 smaller falls before coming to Hidden Falls which is around 21 meters high. Hidden Falls is on private property, but the owners allow access to the public. Click here for directions.
2. Economy Falls is found between Upper and Lower Economy, east of Parrsboro. This is one of the most visited falls in Nova Scotia. It is part of a trail system and is protected within the Economy River Wilderness Area. The trail is easy, but the long staircase (186 steps) can be tiring. There are benches (for resting) as you make the climb. Click here for directions.
3. Wentworth Valley Falls is a full bridal-veil falls. It’s beautiful and easy to get to. There’s no deep gorge to scale unlike other falls in this area. This falls is located in the Wentworth Valley, north of Truro. The trail is not part of a trail system, but should be easy to access. If you have children they might like to splash around at the base of this falls. As always, make sure it’s safe before allowing your children to play in the water. Click here for directions.
*Sourced from www.storyteller.travel. Check this page out for more Falls

Hike a New Trail
We literally want you to go take a hike. There are so many trails throughout Colchester to choose from, no matter what level of hiking you enjoy.

1. The Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail is a woodland trail with several stream crossings. Interpretive panels, with beautiful artwork by Dozay Christmas of Membertou Mi’kmaw Community, tell the story of the First People in Nova Scotia and their life in Debert.
2. Gully Lake – Nuttby Hiking Trail System is a 34-km wilderness hiking trail system, developed and managed by Cobequid Eco-Trails Society, is situated in the Cobequid Mountains near Earltown and Kemptown. It currently consist of three independent loops ranging from 6 km to 10 km, plus linear connector trails. Highlights of the trail system include Gully Lake Wilderness Area, Caribou Lake Brook, Taylor Lake, Earltown Lake and Rogart Mountain. The trails also pass by or near numerous waterfalls and ecologically sensitive marshes.
3. The Stewiacke River Park Trails are the “river trail” and the “upland trail”. Along the “river trail”, stroll under hemlock and pine trees beside the river. Benches along the trail provide places for rest and relaxation. Along this path you will also pass the playground, picnic shelters and washrooms. The “upland trail” follows a mowed path through mixed forest in the upper section of the park, away from the river. Watch for bald eagles, song birds and white-tailed deer in the park. In spring, look for woodland wildflowers, including trout lily and lady’s slipper. 
4. Rogart Mountain Trail at Sugar Moon Farm is 6.2 km. long, starting at Sugar Moon Farm, wanders through white spruce woods, stands of sugar maple and yellow birch, and, at its highest points, gnarly dwarf beech and old growth forest lichens. The trail passes old stone walls, 3 brooks, 4 look-offs, Jane’s waterfalls, 3 foundations, and 17 interpretive points. Though this trail has many steep climbs, the falls can be accessed on flat terrain by doing a shorter trip counter clockwise.
Click here for even more trails throughout Colchester.

Cheers to Beers and Cocktails
Nova Scotia is full of award winning craft breweries and distilleries. We’ve got a few in our own county you won’t want to miss! You might just discover your new favourite summer beverage!

1. Tatamagouche Brewing Co is a family owned and operated microbrewery where they make small handcrafted batches of organic beer. Over their 6 years in business, they have expanded 3 times and brewed over 45 kinds of beers. In 2018 they were voted Craft Brewery of the year by the Atlantic Brewing Association. My favourite is their summer brew of Rushton’s Peach Sour!
2. Uncle Leo’s Brewery produces fine ale in the traditional style of craft breweries. Their beer is made from various malts, hops, yeast and water with no added fillers or preservatives. Uncle Leo’s is one of only a few breweries that make beer from fresh well water. You’ve gotta try their smoked porter!
3. Salty Dog Brewing Co is brewed in the heart of Nova Scotia, with the Bay of Fundy and Cobequid Mountains in our backyard, this handcrafted beer
​embraces the spirit of adventure and living in the moment. I can’t go very long without grabbing a pint of their rhubarb wheat!
4. Coldstream Clear Distillery has expanded! Have you been to their new location at Mastodon Ridge in Stewiacke? They’re in the same building but larger location for shopping and sampling! Try out a flight of their cocktails and take your favourite mixes home! I can’t get enough of the peach iced tea!
5. Raging Crow Distillery features all-natural, small-batch, locally-sourced and handcrafted products. They have many unique products including their Spruce Tip Gin, Dill Pickle Vodka, Cajun Chocolate Liqueur, Haskap Gin, Nova Scotia’s only potato vodka, and Honey Liqueur. You’ll truly find something for everyone here. If you’re a caesar fan, the dill pickle vodka is not to be missed.

Beach Combin‘
Did you know we have the warmest waters of all the beaches in Nova Scotia? Check out these tips for finding sea glass!

1. Melmerby Beach, Little Harbour was named after the barque “Melmerby” which sank off the beach on October 12th, 1890 returning from Quebec City. Its one of the warmest and busiest beaches. It has flush toilets, showers and a life guard on duty during the day.
2. Blue Sea Beach, Malagash is a wide, 1.4 km long beach located in Malagash, on the Northumberland Strait. Great place for bird-watching and snorkelling. It is also a stop on the Out of Bounds Foodie Tour!
3. Rushton’s Beach is located in Marshville, east of Tatamagouche. It features wide sandbars (low tide) and a salt marsh that is home to many varieties of birds. There is a wheelchair accessible boardwalk to the beach and sheltered picnic area.

Ice Cream Dreamin‘
I can’t let a sunny day go by and NOT get some delicious ice cream. Lucky for me (unlucky for my waistline) there are lots of places to grab this tasty treat!

1. Tatamagouche Ice Creamery is new this year to Main Street, Tatamagouche and these handmade artisanal ice creams are worth the drive!
2. Fundy Scoops, formerly Molly’s Dairy Bar, is a social enterprise for the Big Brother’s Big Sisters of Colchester, meaning every dollar spent goes right back to programs for children and youth in the community!
3. Noveltea Bookstore & Cafe now also offers Ice Cream!

Tidal Bore Rafting
This is a time honoured tradition in this part of the province with options for the nervous first timers and the seasoned thrill seekers! This is on MY summer bucket list!

1. Shubie River Wranglers www.gotidalborerafting.com 902-456-2673
2. River Runners https://riverrunnersns.com/ 1 800-856-5061
3. Shubanacadie River Adventure Tours http://www.shubie.com/ 1 (888) 878-8687

Have a Meal on an Outdoor Patio
This year we have more outdoor patio areas than ever! The weather is hot, the drinks are cool and the food is incredible! Check out this blog on outdoor patios in Colchester County! Bonus points if it’s a restaurant you haven’t tried before!

Plan a day trip!
There are so many awesome places you can visit in a day around northern Nova Scotia full of scenic views and delicious local treats!

1. Explore Great Village and Economy with the Artsy Antiquey tour! This is great for families and couples alike! Check out hidden treasures a Great Village Antique Corner while enjoying a coffee and treat from the newly opened Wayside Cafe & Gallery in the historic St James United Church Building. Explore the monuments at the Veteran’s Memorial Park before heading to the Dutchman’s Cheese Farm to enjoy samples of their house made cheese. You’ll love exploring their animal and nature park where you can interact with and feed the animals! After that, you’ll grab your lunch or upper from Diane’s restaurant and head to Five Islands Lighthouse Park to enjoy your meal with beautiful seaside views.
2. Go Mud Sliding in Maitland! This Nova Scotia rite of passage is not to be missed this summer! Grab your kids, bubble families and friends and enjoy some local treats from Coldstream Clear Distillery and Made with Local along the way! You’ll be surprised how smooth (and fast!) the muddy banks can be!
3. Eat and drink your way through Tatamagouche on a Foodie Tour! You’ll want stretchy pants for this day trip! It’s full of local products like handmade chocolates and ice cream, locally brewed craft beer and roasted coffee, sumptuous seafood chowder and MORE! Not to mention a trip to Blue Sea Beach (mentioned above). This is the ultimate day of local indulgence!
4. Bike your way through Truro! Sure, you’ve seen the town but have you ever biked from downtown to the Fundy Tidal Centre to see the tidal bore come in? Enjoy Truro on two wheels and see it as you’ve never experienced it before. You’ll also get shopping discounts from downtown locations!

To Enter our Summer Bucket List Contest: Tag Truro Buzz in your post and use the hashtag #tbsummerbucketlist and we’ll draw a winner of a Truro Buzz Prize pack on Aug 31! (*note: if your account is set to private, we won’t be able to see the tag. You can email your entry pic to info@trurobuzz.com and we’ll share it on Truro Buzz!)




Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: beach, bucketlist, craft beer, day trip, handmade, hiking, ice cream, local, mudsliding, nova scotia, outdoor patio, road trip, rural, summer, tidal bore rafting, trails, truro, truro buzz, waterfalls

Truro Famous Live

July 29, 2020 By Truro Buzz Leave a Comment

Join us as we chat with #TruroFamous Andrea Munroe. Between her business, Enchanted Forest, and her as a person, Andrea is one of our most nominated Truro peeps in our Local Love Truro Awards over the years!

Thursday, July 30
11:00 am
Facebook LIVE

Set your reminder here:
www.facebook.com/LocalLoveTruro/videos/2576478082667938/

Tagged With: Andrea Munroe, Enchanted Forest, Local Love Truro, nova scotia, truro, Truro Famous

Physical Wellness at home!

May 13, 2020 By Truro Buzz

Jess Browne, Physiotherapist offers up some helpful hints for our ‘new’ daily routines!

Many of us have found ourselves working from home or not working at all, and this can seriously impact our bodies. Or maybe its just the lack of our massage therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists that has us feeling less than our best. Here are some resources to help you out!

6 Tips for setting up your work station – Workplace Safety and Prevention Services

How to stay physically active during self-quarantine

Here are some YouTube Channels you can check out to help get you moving:
Yoga with Adriane
The Fitness Marshall
Jessica Smith TV

If you’re keen on Pinterest boards, try using these keywords:
At home Cardio
Body weight exercises
HIIT Circut
Walking program
Running Program

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Uncategorized Tagged With: active, ergonomics, exercise, movement, nova scotia, occupational therapy, Pinterest, quarnatine, self isolation, truro, truro buzz, working from home, Workplace Safety and prevention

Get your gardens ready!

April 1, 2020 By Truro Buzz

Spring is here (we think) and we’re encouraged to social distance at home! Sounds like a great time to get the ol’ lawn and gardens cleaned up! Check out these helpful hints from our friends at Lands Best Friend Landscaping!

Spring Clean Up: Any of the following tasks can be completed provided there is no snow and the ground isn’t too frozen.

  • Clean up flower & shrub beds, Spring prep
    • Cut back last year’s perennials
    • Remove last year’s annuals
    • Clean up & remove leaves and branches
    • Add soil amendments, manures, organic matter, etc. 
    • Cultivate and prep for summer planting if required
    • Mulch beds
  • Shrubs Pruning
    • Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches
    • Remove crossing & rubbing branches
  • Assess tree health
    • Now is a great time to look over your trees. With the leaves being off, you can see damage that has occurred, or maintenance that should be attended 
  • Lawn clean up
    • Rake lawn to remove leaves, sticks and excess thatch
    • Prepare any areas that require over seeding
    • If weather permits, aerate and dethatch
    • It’s a bit cold yet, but get ready for spring liming and fertilizing
  • Spring, Summer or Fall DIY projects
    • With the extra time on your hands, start planning now!
    • If planning a vegetable garden, now is a great time to start seeds in seed trays indoors.

Landscape Projects

If you plan on hiring a landscape professional for your projects, now is a great time to consult with them. Get estimates completed early to beat the spring rush. 

Here are a few tips for hiring landscape contractors:

  • Ask questions – ensure you’re getting what you want
  • Make sure you have a contract that states what you’re paying for
  • Check their credentials, references, websites, social media accounts, client reviews, BBB rating, memberships to professional associations, etc.
  • In addition to company credentials, ensure skilled workers will be completing your project
  • Make sure they carry liability insurance

Filed Under: Community, Uncategorized Tagged With: garden, gardening, lands best friend landscaping, landscaping, nova scotia, spring time, truro, truro buzz

Studio Fit Family Fun Workout!

March 25, 2020 By Truro Buzz

Jennifer McNutt, owner/operator of Studio Fit in Truro has come up with this super fun family workout to get you moving and keep you entertained! Just remember to stay within your neighbourhood!

1. High Knees Up & Down The Driveway (1X) 

2. Bear Crawl Up Any Hill (run back down) you pick the size of hill 😉 

3. 25x Jumping Jacks Buy a silver, Blk or red vehicle 

4. Hold Plank 30secs from knees or toes on the sidewalk out front of your home or apartment 

5. Find a fire hydrant and do fire hydrants 10x per leg next to it (dog peeing on a fire hydrant is your help) now smile and laugh we all need it 🙂 

6. Burpees 10x by an animal 

7. Must walk or run up 50 stairs (you can keep running up and down your house stairs until you reach 50x 

8. 25x squats while you sing a song 

9. 25x standing pushups off a tree 

10. 20x crunches on your front lawn 

11. 15x squat jumps next to a family member that is at least 2m away. 

12. Lastly do any yoga pose and hold it for 30secs. 

Make sure and take pictures and tag us so we can see you have done it and to spread some smiles 🙂 @studiofit

Happy FUN!!!

Filed Under: Community, Family, Health & Wellness, Sports, Uncategorized Tagged With: exercise, family, family fitness, fitness, go outside, move your body, nova scotia, rural, self isolation, small town, social distancing, studio fit, truro, truro buzz

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