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PICTOU COUNTY'S WEEKLY SINCE 1893 Wednesday, July 6, 2016 Vol. 123, No. 27

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Town receives spirit award By Steve Goodwin [email protected]

Local author to open book store in River John A 19-year-old girl once set foot in a children’s bookshop. She was bewitched by what she saw and from then on, owning a book store was the dream she held close as she progressed through her life, eventually getting a degree in children’s literature and becoming a writer. Years later, that girl's dream is coming true and Sheree Fitch could not be more excited to see her book shop come to life. “That’s been my life—children and books,” Fitch said. She is now a well-known children’s author of books such as Mabel Murple and Sleeping Dragons All Around. She also writes adult books and books for young adults. Over the last couple of years,

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Fitch has been fighting to keep the small school in River John open by using a Hub Model for the space. “It was just an incredible opportunity for the school to be retained,” she said. Sadly, the model was rejected and it left Fitch and others wondering where to turn next for the community of River John. “We had brought (the book store) up on and off during the Hub proposal,” Fitch said about discussions she had with her husband, Gilles Plante. “My husband said, 'Well, we’ve got that old farm house over there',” she said. After attending the 2016 Georgetown conference in Georgetown, Prince Edward Island, Fitch was reinvigorated to chase her dream of opening a book store that would be nestled right across the street from her

River John author Sheree Fitch sits on the front step of what will eventually become Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe, with her husband Gilles Plante, who will be doing the renovations to (Brimicombe photo) the building.

home in River John. “The entrepreneurial spirit is about trying to fly,” said Fitch. She is hoping to have a soft opening of the store next June, once her husband has finished all of the renovations to the two buildings she will be using as a book store and space for workshops and storytelling. “I’m going to carry Canadian children’s books and Atlantic books for adults, so there’s books for all ages,” Fitch mentioned. ”We’ll have a lot of events; I have a lot of friends that are authors and we’ll have book readings.” She continued, “I will curate

the collection very carefully.” Fitch excitedly noted that she already has interest from schools to visit what will be Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe for class trips and experiential learning. “I’ve got incredible faith that we can change – children’s book by children’s book,” Fitch said. She mentioned that the store itself will be as much about story telling as it will be about the books. She aims to make the shop about the experience more than the retail aspect. “The motivation here isn’t to make a ton of money,” Fitch said. “It’s experiential learning and tourism and donkey hugs!”

NEW GLASGOW – A lieutenant governor’s visit and presentation of a community spirit award to New Glasgow last Thursday highlighted the town’s annual pre-Canada Day celebrations. Nearly 1,000 people attended the gathering where Mayor Barrie MacMillan and town CAO Lisa MacDonald received the award from BrigadierGeneral (retired) and Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant. MacMillan also congratulated the other Nova Scotian recipients which were Gabarus, Upper Hammonds Plains and New Ross. “This is an occasion that belongs to the people of New Glasgow,” he said, while guests assembled onstage at the Glasgow Square amphitheatre. “We are proud to present this pre-Canada Day celebration for our community and to salute you for making this a town with charm, style and character. It is a very historic day in the life of

our nation and also in the life of our town.” The visit by the lieutenant governor and his wife was pleasant but brief as they returned after the ceremony to Government House in Halifax for their participation in formal Canada Day celebrations there on Friday. “I can’t think of a better thing than to be here among family and friends,” Grant said. “On this occasion, what brings a community to life is its spirit. This time, we’re not recognizing the service of an individual, but the service of a community.” Dignitaries also included Central Nova MP Sean Fraser and Communities, Cultural and Heritage Minister Tony Ince. MacMillan presided over formal festivities that opened with a flag-raising ceremony. “This is a nation whose people, although empowered with greatness and talents, remain understated and humble,” he said. “This is a nation we are so very proud to call home.”

PA 200 celebrations begin By Debbi Harvie [email protected]

PICTOU – Pictou Academy means a lot of things to a lot of people and that was no better expressed than on Sunday during the opening ceremonies of the PA 200 celebrations. Dan MacDonald, former PA graduate and actor, emceed the event which welcomed honorary guests such as Lieutenant Governor J.J. Grant and his wife Joan; Randy Delorey, minister of Finance; Sean Fraser, MP Central Nova; Karla MacFarlane, MLA Pictou West; Dr. Jock Murray, former PA student and guest speaker alongside Dr. David Anderson, dean of Medicine at Dalhousie University. Nan MacKean, the oldest known Pictou Academy graduate who insisted on attending the events as she prepares to turn 105 years old in August, was also welcomed. “I am an actor in large part, because of this building,” said MacDonald. “There were two teachers here that gave me a

Nan MacKean, centre, is turning 105 in August and is the oldest living Pictou Academy graduate. She helped unveil the new monument in commemoration of the school’s 200th anniversary with, David Anderson, dean of Medicine at Dalhousie University, (Harvie photo) left, and Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant, on Sunday. huge boost and helped me begin my professional career in 1953.” MacDonald spoke of Mrs. Hugh Sutherland and George Graham who created scholarships that were awarded to MacDonald so he could attend the only theatrics college at the time in Vancouver. Many other former students shared similar stories of how

some of their teachers shaped their young minds and encouraged them to go on and do something great. Joe Hawes, mayor of Pictou, was one of them. He extolled the virtues of Peter White and George Crawford. MLA Karla MacFarlane shared her story about attending West Pictou District High

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School and so badly wanting to be a PA student. “My whole Grade 9 year, I implored my parents to send me to PA...” After a year and a half of hounding, they agreed to let her try it out for a few days a week, she said. “A few days of physics, chemistry and English and I decided it was in my best interests to go back to West Pictou,” she laughed. Blair MacDonald, current principal noted, “(PA has a) tradition of being small yet mighty.” “Pictou Academy is responsible for so many students going out in the world and making their mark in a big way,” noted Vivian Farrell, ChignectoCentral Regional School Board representative. MP Sean Fraser looked back on 200 years. “It seems like an eternity. Just 100 years ago, we were in the midst of the First World War and there were very few cars on the road. If you look at 200 years before Pictou Academy,

Above, from left: town CAO Lisa MacDonald and Mayor Barrie MacMillan accept a community spirit award from BrigadierGeneral (retired) and Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant. Bottom left: Hannah Greene wore appropriate colours while handing out Canadian flags. Bottom right: Luke Burns was among those who designed likenesses of the Canadian Flag. (Goodwin photos)

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Community

The Advocate July 6, 2016

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PICTOU ACADEMY

200

TH

ANNIVERSARY

In addition to our coverage of the PA 200 celebrations in this week’s edition, all of our subscribers will be receiving one complimentary copy of a special PA 200 commemorative booklet.

HeartLand bikers riding in Pictou County July 14 By Steve Goodwin [email protected]

PICTOU – Bikers will be pedaling throughout Pictou County when the 2016 Heartland Tour visits on July 14. The tour is marking its 10th anniversary of its work in a public awareness campaign that uses the bicycle as a vehicle to educate and draw attention to the reduction of cardiac and health risk factors in the health of Nova Scotians. It will begin in Halifax on July 9 and proceed through Pictou County on its way to Sydney on July 16. Advocate President and CEO Sean Murray says he’s pleased to once again offer the company as

a sponsor for the annual event. “It is a wonderful event promoting wellness, heart health and cancer awareness,” he said. “Despite the fact that health care in Nova Scotia takes up almost half the government budget, true wellness activities often go unnoticed or with little fanfare . . . 2016 is the 10th anniversary of the HeartLand Tour, and we are determined to make it the best year yet, with great bike rides, walks, community events, and even more prizes to give away in each community.” Pictou County’s program will start with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the Pictou County Wellness Centre. A long ride will start at 9 a.m.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO ►8:30 a.m. – Opening ceremony at the Wellness Centre. ►9 a.m. – A long ride for "well prepared cyclists" going through Lyons Brook to the rotary, back to the Wellness Centre. ►11 a.m. – A walk, open to anyone, leaving the Wellness Centre for 3K, or 5K, or whatever distance participants are capable of doing. Youth cyclists are welcome to ride along with walkers. ►12 p.m. – Long ride ends; lunch for all and draw prizes, including a bike donated annually by BMO. ►1 p.m. – Afternoon ride on Samson Trail, 5K or 10K, leaving Wellness Centre under police escort to Museum of Industry, Stellarton, where they will get on the Samson Trail. Women on Wheels cyclists will join for this ride. ►Cyclists head out to Antigonish for the following day's ride.

Fire displaces local people THORBURN – At least 13 people – including three locals – were displaced by four separate house fires in the Maritimes this Canada Day long weekend. Three people were displaced by a fire reported around 5 a.m. Saturday at 1682 MacLellan's Brook Road in Thorburn. Disaster volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross arranged emergency lodging, food and personal-care items for an elderly couple and their son in his 40s while they await an assessment by insurers. In East Preston, a family of four was displaced after a fire Friday evening that extensively damaged their house. In Brackley Beach, PEI, a couple and their two adult children escaped from a fire early Saturday morning that destroyed their house. In Charlottetown, a man and woman were displaced by a fire Friday that damaged their apartment.

Kathy Saulnier on a previous Heartland tour. (File photo) for riders pedaling to Lyons Brook and the Pictou Rotary and back to the Wellness Centre, while walks – with distances of three kilometres and five kilometres – will start at 11 a.m. Lunch and presentations at noon will be followed by 5K and 10K bike rides from the Wellness Centre to the Museum of Industry in Stellarton and along the Albion and Samson trails. Dr. Nick Giacomantonio is the inspirational leader of the event. He’s a cardiologist, director of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation CDHA, as well as associate professor of medicine dealing with program

Rekindled interest in idle Trenton plant By Steve Goodwin [email protected]

TRENTON – Interest is growing to restore production of railcars at an idle plant in Trenton. Pictou Centre MLA Pat Dunn says he has discussed the idea of resuming railcar assembly at the former DSTN wind tower facility with a former Pictou County resident now living in Vancouver who is bidding for the property with the backing of a U.S. company interested in building railcars. “There has been some interest in the plant,” Dunn said. “There’s nothing substantial, but it certainly would be nice to see the place open up. It’s nice to see some companies are looking at it to see if it’s viable. It would be a boon to Pictou County with the railcar assembly and the spinoffs from it.”

The South Korean shipbuilding giant Daewoo closed the wind tower plant on Feb. 18, prompting the Department of Business to start filing for receivership proceedings. The company struck a deal with the province for a 51-per cent stake in the facility in 2010. The Halifax office of PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. was immediately named the court-appointed receiver and has been managing the property and assets since the plant closed. Hopes to revive the railcar plant have abated over time, but never vanished, since TrentonWorks parent, the Greenbrier Companies headquartered in Oswego, Oregon, closed the facility in 2007. Former TrentonWorks employee Ernie MacInnis says several hundred people with welding, pipe fitting and other required skills who once worked at the railcar plant

and translational research at Dalhousie University. He is also president of the Nova Scotia Cardiac Cycle Society and leader of the Heartland Tour’s strategic development of provincial programming in prevention. Kathy Saulnier has been a local core member of the team since the tour was founded and helps to co-ordinate the Pictou County visit. She works as district co-ordinator for Cardiovascular Health N.S., as well as clinical associate for St. Francis Xavier University’s School of Nursing. She has recruited 10 new riders to help celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary. “We are pretty excited,” she said. “They have been riding regularly and all are committed to the morning long ride.” She shares her leadership with other local core members who host and deliver a full day of activities when the tour passes through Pictou County. “We have partnered with the Lobster Carnival in Pictou, entering our bus, bikes and riders in the parade,” she noted. “We have also participated in the Run for the Lobster road race, yoga in Scotsburn, waterslide fun at Stellarton Recreation, and cardiac rehab exercises at the YMCA.”

could be available to resume work there if railcar assembly resumed. Many of them have been working in western Canada but would prefer returning to Pictou County. “If the railcar plant was up and running, they’d be here in a flash,” he said. He said the former employees understand aging hoppers, grain cars, tankers and other rolling stock in Canada and elsewhere requires replacement or repair. That’s the message Dunn says he’d been hearing, especially tank cars for crude oil delivery. “The need to haul oil is on the radar, to replace cars or put new shells on them, depending on the cost,” Dunn said. “There’s a fair number of workers out of work out west. They’re willing to return to the Trenton plant if it’s viable so they can return home.” The receivership process is the province’s attempt to recover some of the equipment, land, buildings and other proceeds from the $32-million loan it called last winter.

TATTOO BOUND Stan Jones, left, has been organizing an annual bus trip from Pictou to the Halifax International Tattoo. This year, the bus had 56 passengers who arrived in Halifax in time to have some lunch, take in a little sightseeing and then enjoy the Tattoo. (Harvie photo)

Above and below: Former Pictou Academy graduates reminisce and enjoy each others’ company after the PA 200 celebrations opening ceremony on Sunday at the school. (Harvie photo)

PA celebrations ... Continued from page 1 Shakespeare died that year and information was still being banned (if it promoted the fact that the earth revolved around the sun).” He went on to note that, “this educational institution has pumped out more important alumni than any other I know... And one very important idea came from Pictou Academy. Pictou County has a real claim to the birthplace of responsible government.” The school also has a rich history throughout the province. “Pictou Academy and Dalhousie University do share a rich and historical relationship,” noted David Anderson, dean of Medicine at Dalhousie University. Pictou Academy is older than Dalhousie by two years. “We share a common philosophy based on the Scottish principle of education for all,” said Anderson. “Like Pictou Academy, Dalhousie encountered great resistance...” Thanks to Dr. Thomas McCulloch that tradition lives on with numerous PA graduates moving on to Dalhousie to further their education. “At a time when other institutions were allowing only those of one faith to attend and even then, just boys, Dr. Thomas McCulloch... his school was open to all children of any religion, boy or girl,” said Dr. Jock Murray. Murray talked of the varied interests McCulloch had, from teaching to medicine and taxidermy as well as his quick wit. He also told of how Pictou Academy was considered for the location of Dalhousie University by Lord Dalhousie, but because it was too far from what Lord Dalhousie felt was the centre of the province, it was not to be. “Pictou Academy was an intellectual centre of Pictou. There were 1,600 people in the town at the time... it was a very exciting place to be. Young men and women came from all over the province to study there.” McCulloch, after two decades of fighting for funding for PA, became the president of Dalhousie University. As accomplished as Murray is, he notes it was because of teachers at PA that he has been able to achieve so much. “Even though I was a drop out of PA, I loved school,” he said. Murray left PA in Grade 11 to attend St. Francis Xavier University before leaving there to

HARD WORK PAYING OFF Years of preparation and planning are finally in action as the PA 200 celebrations are now underway. In 2008, the PA 200 Society was formed and organized yearly celebrations with the 2016 graduating class from Pictou Academy in preparation for this momentous event. “It has been about a year of planning for this actual week,” notes Beth Henderson, founder of the PA 200 Society. “It’s very exciting, like waiting for a baby. It’s the perfect day and a happy event,” she says referring to the opening ceremonies. Henderson is pleased with the turnout of former grads from near and far. “The spirit of the school is still with people that went there; they made friendships and as Jock Murray mentioned, they really learned and learned the value of the school.” She was, however, blown away by the fact that the oldest living PA graduate, Nan MacKean, insisted on being part of the celebrations. “She was so excited to be here. That spirit at 105 years old, it’s amazing.” Henderson herself is a former grad, from the class of 1962. “I’m just pleased with the attendance; there has been a real mixture of students and there is more to come. We have a lot of older former students who planned this for over a year. There is a group of 15 graduates from the 1950s who have been planning to come for quite some time and they are from all over.” Festivities continue through to the Lobster Carnival this weekend. attend medical school at Dalhousie University. He told of one teacher taking him aside and saying, "Just because your older siblings went to university doesn’t mean you have to..." “I owe a lot to the Academy. I was spurred on by three remarkable teachers – George Crawford, David Chabbassol and Ted Brown... As undistinguished as my studies were, I really credit them with my going on...” Murray said, “The legacy of Pictou Academy deserves recognition for what it has given its students, the province and the world.”

The Advocate July 6, 2016

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More than $85,000 earned in scholarships at NRHS ALMA – A number of graduating students from Northumberland Regional High received scholarships to continue their education. Among the winners were: Ben McDow, Dalhousie Entrance Scholarship; T-Anna Fraser, Holland College Renewable Entrance Scholarship for $8,560 and Holland College Athletic

Financial Award; James Lees, Dalhousie Entrance Scholarship for $20,000; Alexandra MacKenzie, Dalhousie Entrance Scholarship for $20,000; Hannah MacDonald, St. F.X. University Entrance Scholarship for $28,000 and Hannah Facey, Dalhousie Entrance and Residence Scholarships for $10,000.

Lobster Carnival promoting Twitter contest for sponsorship PICTOU – Atlantic Lottery is giving local festivals a chance to win $2,000 in sponsorship for next year and the Lobster Carnival is already thinking of the 2017 year’s event. Atlantic Lottery is encouraging organizers, volunteers and employees of the festival/event who are 19 years or older to tweet about their festival using #ALintheCommunity. Tweeters can feel free to include photos but they are not an entry requirement. There are a few must-haves in order for a competing event to qualify: • Use #ALintheCommunity • Name the festival/event Atlantic Lottery is sponsoring • Follow @AL_Lottery

(https://twitter.com/AL_ Lottery) • Must be 19 years or older, and live in Atlantic Canada For every qualifying tweet about the Lobster Carnival, that event will be entered into a draw for one of four $2,000 sponsorships for 2017. One prize will be given per province. Follow @AL_Lottery on Twitter to learn about how Atlantic Lottery is giving back. Carnival volunteer Kent Corbett says, "Original tweets only – retweets don't count. Each tweet has to have the @ AL_Lottery handle, mention the Pictou Lobster Carnival @PLC_ JulyFun as well as #ALinthecommunity."

Public lecture Sunday timely for PA 200 events PICTOU – A public lecture on Sunday comes just in time for the PA 200 celebrations that continue this week. Titled, Looking Back: The Pictou Academy Centenary, the “Petticoat Protest” Dr. P. W. and Public Commemoration, 1916 to the Present, will be given by Paul W. Bennett at 2 p.m. at the McCulloch House Museum in Pictou. Over the 200-year history of Pictou Academy, the Centenary Celebrations held in July 1916 stand out because, at that time, the Academy was one of Nova Scotia’s leading school institutions and a living embodiment of the prevailing Scottish tradition. It was a grand public commemoration, but it also sparked a longforgotten and totally unexpected reaction among Pictou women – a notable “petticoat protest” borne of the women’s suffrage movement. Dr. Bennett will take the audience back to the PA Centenary and capture the lively spirit and attitudes prevalent at the time. Building upon that episode, his

fully illustrated lecture will show how “public memory” is shaped by such events of historic commemoration. It will bring history alive on the occasion of the Pictou Academy 200 celebrations. Bennett Bennett, Ed.D., is a well-known Nova Scotian author, education professor, and news commentator. As the founding director of Schoolhouse Consulting and adjunct professor of Education at Saint Mary’s University, Bennett has spoken and written widely about Nova Scotia education, history and politics. His education commentaries and features appear in newspapers across Canada. In addition to having written numerous academic articles and news commentaries, he has authored eight books, most recently Vanishing Schools, Threatened Communities: The Contested Schoolhouse in Maritime Canada, 1850-2010 (2011) and The Last Stand: Schools, Communities and the Future of Rural Nova Scotia (2013).

Council attempts to get more funding for water PICTOU – Council is making one last attempt to get additional funding for the water upgrades that are desperately needed in the town. The town recently applied for funding under the New Building Canada Fund which would provide 66 per cent of the funds required for the more than $5 million project. The new federal program they applied for would amount to 75 per cent of funding if granted. Pictou’s water is among the worst in terms of water quality in Atlantic Canada, according to Scott Conrod, CAO for Pictou. The water project is currently in the final phase of the fourphase project. Phase one consisted of connecting the wells to a new common transmission line, phase two was the installation of municipal-grade disinfection

units, phase three was the water meter installation and refurbishing of the water tower as well as a multi-year piloting project for water treatment technologies and phase four consists of the water treatment plant. Conrod says the treatment plant will address the essential treatment of water discolouration and pressure issues by removing 95 to 100 per cent of the iron and manganese from the water, improving the quality. With the treatment plant, wells will no longer require onsite treatment and the 10 to 12 water main breaks that occur annually will no longer happen because the drastic change in pressure and direction of water will be fixed. Construction end date for the project is hoped to be March 31, 2018.

Above: Jacob Rafuse, wish co-ordinator for the Children’s Wish foundation, left, and Sarah Fraser, Isaac's mother, sit beside the new pool that Isaac Fraser, centre, received as his wish from the Children’s Wish Foundation. BELOW: Isaac and Sarah (Brimicombe photo) play in Isaac’s new pool.

Pool party

makes wish come true By Heather Brimicombe [email protected]

Laughter and squeals of joy drifted through the air at the Fraser home in West River recently as Isaac Fraser got his wish… a swimming pool. Fraser, who suffers from congenital muscular dystrophy, received his wish from the Children’s Wish Foundation last week with the gift of an above ground pool as well as some pool toys for him to play with while in the water. “Isaac’s wish has probably been about five months in the process,” said Jacob Rafuse, wish co-ordinator for the foundation. “It’s incredibly rewarding

because I actually get to meet the kids,” he said of his job. The pool party for Isaac saw friends and family gather at the house on a newly built deck to enjoy the heated pool. As Isaac’s friends jumped in for a dip, Isaac finally got to go for a swim with his mother, Sarah, splashing and making sounds of happiness the whole time. Rafuse also presented him with two sea creature-themed balloon sculptures that floated in the pool. “We’re just really grateful that this is able to happen for him,” said Sarah Fraser, Isaac’s mother. “He’s just always really enjoyed the water. It’s a fun way for him to be active."

She also noted that the pool will be great for his physiotherapy, as Isaac uses a wheel-

chair to be mobile. “He’s a very happy little guy,” Fraser said.

Funfest kicking off on July 14 By Debbi Harvie [email protected]

Dan MacGillivray, CHAD executive director, stands in front of a poster containing responses to a consultation workshop regarding future plans for public transit in Pictou County. (Goodwin photo)

CHAD hopes to offer fixed routes for buses By Steve Goodwin [email protected]

NEW GLASGOW – CHAD hopes it can expand its local bus service with fixed routes. To that end, the Central Highlands Association for the Disabled will discuss the matter during a two-hour consultation at Central Nova MP Sean Fraser’s riding office at Bridgeview Square starting at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday in New Glasgow. CHAD executive director Dan MacGillivray will join Fraser and Jamie Stewart from Four Points Business Consulting in the conversation. MacGillivray said the idea of an event started several months ago. He said it would be the first

fixed bus route service since Pictou County Transit closed in 1996 and provincial funding ended. He said the plan is to utilize the community consultation this week to offer a business plan and devise a feasibility study that would lead to a pilot fixed service by the fall of 2017. CHAD began offering rides for local disabled residents and expanded the services for those needing transportation for various reasons, such as medical appointments. MacGillivray said CHAD needs to do something to complement its current door-to-door service which is fully booked. His computer screen shows a Continued on page 4

TRENTON – Trenton Funfest is gearing up for its 28th annual weekend of sun, fun and games with the sun part emphasized this year. “We had to cancel our fireworks and concert under the stars last year because of the rain, so we’ve switched things around a little bit this year,” explains Sherri MacDonald, who chairs the event. This year, the family fun day is on Saturday in hopes that the weather will co-operate. The weekend kicks off July 14 with the Jessie Smith Memorial Mayor’s Tea and Opening Ceremonies beginning at 2 p.m. on Main Street followed by an auction 45s tournament at the Trenton Legion and Cinema Under the Stars in Trenton Park featuring Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip. The annual Harvey Dickson Memorial Ball Tournament kicks off on July 15 and runs through July 17. The Mayor’s Golf Tournament will also take place July 15 at Glen Lovat Golf Course along with an antique car show at Trenton Park with a performance by the Dixie Rovers and the Adult Team Scavenger Hunt followed by Karaoke Pub Night and awards at the Trenton Rink. Activities continue July 16 with a town-wide yard sale and festival market on Main Street, pancake and sausage breakfast at First United Church hall and Family Fun Day at Trenton Park with wagon rides, bouncy houses, water slides, laser tag, face painting and more. MacDonald says laser tag is

new this year and it’s something for the big kids as well. The annual T-Town Skate Jam will round out the afternoon with a skate competition, barbecue and bands at the Trenton skate park on Main Street. “The skate board competition is bigger this year,” explains MacDonald. “Last year we almost lost it, with a decline in attendance and everything else, but this year we have Brandon Richardson on board and he seems to be on the ball. We needed someone young to bring some fresh ideas to the event.” Don’t forget the ever-popular Molson Festival Dance at the Trenton Rink for ages 19 and up featuring the band The Morning After. The final day of Funfest is for the family with kids events sponsored by Sobeys at Trenton Park featuring Mr. J the Magician, Kids Scavenger Hunt and a concert under the stars with children’s entertainers, The Decostes. The final event is Next Exit performing prior to the Funtastic fireworks. MacDonald says her favourite event is always the concert under the stars. “I enjoy it all (Funfest), every aspect of it, but when you have lived in Trenton your whole life, it’s something you can’t walk away from.” She says seeing the happiness it brings to people and the sense of accomplishment once it begins keeps her coming back. For the entire schedule of events or for more information on this year’s Funfest, visit http:// www.town.trenton.ns.ca/index. php/festivals-events/trentonfunfest/event-schedule or the Facebook page Trenton FunFest.

4

Community

The Advocate July 6, 2016

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Special guest to officiate Routes to Riches Race By Stacey Dlamini Special to The Advocate

Jiemi Gao, a visitor from New York City, was among those taking photos of Big Beautiful Bertha Blue, in her tank.

(Goodwin photo)

Fisheries Museum poised for second lobster release By Steve Goodwin

LOBSTERS OF A DIFFERENT COLOUR

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PICTOU – Her name is Big Beautiful Bertha Blue, an eightpound, three-ounce female lobster that has captured the attention of visitors and staff since she arrived at the Northumberland Fisheries Museum in Pictou. Bertha is one of several exotic crustaceans gracing the museum as its tourism and production at the nearby lobster hatchery picks up. She was landed off East Tracadie, Anti. Co. by Nicholas Hemphill and will be kept at the museum and released after the tourist season ends. Museum business manager Ruby MacCallum-Roberts said Bertha is a welcome addition to

• Live lobsters are generally dark green and turn red-orange during the boiling process. • Lobsters of different colours occur in exotic mottled shades of blue, white, yellow, black and red. • Lobsters can be calico-coloured and sometimes have a line across their backs dividing two colours. • Diet and genetics can cause different pigmentations from the normal green colour. Source: www.lobsters.org the facility’s long list of attractions. She also explained how Bertha got her name. “The fishermen always name them,” she said. “(Nicholas) had an attachment to the name. She’s

been a real hit.” Gary Nowlan, vice-chairman of the board that operates the museum, says its members and staff are looking forward to a full summer of activity and visi-

tation at the museum, hatchery and lighthouse. The museum marked its first release of young lobsters from the hatchery. All eight mothers were released, along with the some 3,600 offspring that are about a centimetre long. Even that small size is considered crucial to raising their survival rate beyond the prospects for newborns. Nowlan said a new release is expected in early to mid-July. An ice boat is a centerpiece of the museum’s displays on the building’s ground floor. Aquariums and related fishing equipment are among items surrounding it. Continued on page 5

Photographer lending talents to animal shelter in fundraiser By Debbi Harvie

FUNDRAISER TAKE 2

[email protected]

NEW GLASGOW – The local SPCA relies solely on the kindness of the community for donations and receives no provincial funding. Newcomer to this part of the province, Matt MacKinnon, wanted to help the SPCA while also getting his name out there, so he set up a studio-style portrait session for pets. Hailing from Montreal, MacKinnon is a photographer and is hoping to kick start his business while helping a good cause. “There will be one in Antigonish, one in New Glasgow and one in Prince Edward Island all supporting the local SPCAs,” he explains. The New Glasgow fundraiser is taking place July 9 at the West Side Community Centre. “It’s $40 per session which lasts about 15 minutes and that includes three professionally retouched digital images sent via email and we will also have a printing centre set up.” As a promotion, anyone who registers for the fundraiser and gets a friend to register will receive a free print. Agnes Leavitt, shelter manager of the SPCA of Pictou County, will also be on hand to help out.

The SPCA of Pictou County is hosting its annual yard sale July 30 at the shelter and they are looking for donations. To drop off a donation visit the shelter Monday and Tuesday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Agnes Leavitt, shelter manager of the SPCA of Pictou County, holds two kittens that are currently up for adoption at the shelter. A pet photo fundraiser is taking place for the shelter at the (Harvie photo) West Side Community Centre on July 9. “I’m taking my nine-year-old border collie, Nelson, that I got from the SPCA here.” MacKinnon says he has always had a soft spot for animals and the SPCA. “I have always preferred to

adopt animals, rather than buy and they can’t speak for themselves so anything I can do to help... and contribute back to the community, I jump at the chance to do that.” He’s hoping the event is going

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to be successful. “I need to up the exposure of the event because it’s important the SPCA gets funding in any way they can.” Of the three organized events, MacKinnon says the New Glasgow one has had the best response so far. There is space for 45 to 50 animals throughout the day. Owners are encouraged to bring anything they would like to have in the photo with the animal including clothing, toys or anything special. Leavitt says this is the first time they’ve done a fundraiser like this. “We were very excited (to hear from MacKinnon),” notes Leavitt. “I can’t wait to see all the different animals that show up.” To register visit studiopetphotoevent.com or Facebook at Studio Pet Photo Event.

NEW GLASGOW – The Routes to Riches Race, a fundraiser for Pictou County Roots for Youth, is taking place July 16. The start and finish line is at the Pictou County Gymnastics Club at 558 South Frederick Street, New Glasgow (the old YMCA building). Teams will check in from 8:45 a.m., and the starting bell will sound at 10 a.m. sharp. The exciting news is that we have confirmed a very special guest to start our race in style. Joe Roberts is a remarkable man with his own personal story of youth homelessness. Joe beat the odds to become a successful businessman, but the issue of youth homelessness was never far from his heart. Joe decided that he needed to do something radical to highlight youth homelessness and raise money to fight it. So he decided to push a shopping cart across the entire country of Canada. You can acquaint yourself with Joe and his story at http://www. thepushforchange.com. Joe will be speaking to race participants and volunteers from 9:50 to 10 a.m. and will officially start the race by sounding the bell. It just so happens that having completed the Newfoundland portion of his cross-Canada tour, he will be in New Glasgow on July 16.

JOE ROBERTS We are so honoured to provide a platform to Joe and The Push for Change campaign and to have such a fitting person to start our race. For questions about Pictou County Roots for Youth or the Routes to Riches Race, contact Stacey at [email protected] or on 902 695 3241. For questions about Joe and The Push for Change, reach out to Marie Roberts, campaign director, at 778-875-5202 or [email protected]. Stacey Dlamini is director, PC Roots for Youth

Push for Change campaign coming here in mid-July PICTOU – A former homeless youth who is pushing a shopping cart across Canada to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth is expected to pass through Pictou County in mid-July. Joe Roberts is leading what is called the Push for Change campaign to end youth homelessness by pushing a shopping cart – a symbol of homelessness – in a 9,000-kilometre, 17-month journey that began on May 1 at Cape Spear, N.L. They plan to arrive in Vancouver on or before Sept. 30, 2017. Roberts and his fellow team members expect to arrive in the area between July 14 and 16 on their way to the ferry to P.E.I. The entourage arrived by ferry in North Sydney on June 15 and were scheduled to arrive in Port Hawkesbury on Tuesday on their way to Halifax in time for Canada Day celebrations. Roberts and his team are looking for people across Canada to aid the campaign

CHAD ... Continued from page 3 massive spread sheet filled with riding requests. A survey produced 500 responses among those interested in growing the bus service. “We decided to take on fixed routes to alleviate pressure on the door-to-door on-demand service we currently operate,” he said. “In the five years I’ve been here, we’ve never said no. Now we have to because the service is so full.”

by hosting community events aimed at raising awareness and funds to prevent youth homelessness. The group plans to take part in more than 400 school and community events throughout the journey. “The key is in prevention combined with emergency services and sustainable housing,” Roberts said in a press release. "Often the issue of prevention is one that is overlooked, but it’s the one that offers the best hope for helping young people transition safely into adulthood. It is also the most cost effective and pragmatic approach to investing in a problem that looks like it has no end. If we keep doing what we have always done, we will keep getting what we have always gotten.” Youth homelessness organizations taking part in the campaign by planning and hosting an event will half the proceeds raise donated back to them.

The fixed service concept is an opportunity to expand the bus service to more areas and serve more customers, he said. “It’s a chance to serve more of Pictou County,” he said. “Any vibrant community has public transit and that’s what we want for Pictou County if we can do it. A lot of people have said mass transit is important. They have fixed incomes, or they’re non-profit groups.” Should the service proceed, MacGillivray envisions return trips from New Glasgow to Pictou at 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. lasting 90 minutes and hourly loops around the upper towns between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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Pictou town schools subject to a school board review By Steve Goodwin [email protected]

PICTOU – Schools in Pictou are facing a review over the next year. The Chignecto-Central Regional School Board has scheduled a special board meeting today at its regional office in Truro to begin the review process. It is specifically aimed at Pictou Elementary due to its status as a P-3 school, as well at Dr. Thomas McCulloch Junior High School and Pictou Academy. Vivian Farrell, the board’s

elected representative for West Pictou, said other schools could be included in the review. “It will be at least those three: Pictou Elementary and the schools it feeds into – McCulloch and Pictou Academy,” she said. Normally, the school board could implement the review process at its next regular meeting in September, but Farrell said the board had to call the meeting to begin the review process as soon as possible after Education Minister Karen Casey mandated the review. Casey got clearance to exempt Pictou Elementary from re-ex-

amining its arrangement with the school’s private owner for a year, but the school board’s review must be completed sooner than that, Farrell said. “If we wait until September, the time lines won’t work,” Farrell said, noting the review’s deadline is the end of April, 2017, one month earlier than usual. Pictou Elementary is one of 13 P-3 schools owned by the private firm Scotia Learning and operated jointly with the respective school boards on behalf of the province. “There was mutual agree-

Community

5

ON GUARD FOR THEE

ment to extend the notice date (before agreements would be renegotiated for 12 of the schools) to Oct. 31,” Casey said. Pictou Elementary was given the year to allow the CCRSB to complete its school review, she said. Casey said three options are being explored for the P-3 schools. The province could purchase the schools, extend the agreement for the schools or walk away from them. “Negotiations are moving along,” she said. “We have an agreement to extend the notice date.”

Public consultations on environment and electoral reform

MULTICULTURAL STORY Abdulkadir Casim, originally from Turkey, reads a dual language story book (Arabic/English) to Grade Primary students before school closed for the summer. He was assisted by his wife, Lema. Their son, Omer, is in the same classroom at Pictou Elementary. Later, they taught the students to count from zero (Submitted photo) to five in Arabic.

Fisheries ... Continued from page 4 A multipurpose room and family facility room are located on each end of a kitchen on the second floor.

Scotsburn was well represented at the Northumberland Regional High School 2016 non-academic awards. These five students began pre-school together at Miss Kathie's preschool in Scotsburn when they were four and just graduated together. From the left are: Gillis Cox, top male athlete; Dylan Fillier, Jared Kyle Memorial Award; Kyle Vandertoorn, female SOAR award; Ryan Dykstra, NSSAF athletic award; and Greg Baillie, male SOAR award. (Submitted photo)

MacCallum-Roberts said it has already been a good tourist season for the museum as it prepares to host visitors to this weekend’s 2016 Pictou Lobster Carnival. “It’s been a wonderful season,” she said. “We’ve had schools touring through, the weather has been ideal and we have a few bus tours booked.”

Sean Fraser, MP for Central Nova, is hosting a series of community consultations to seek feedback on the topics of climate change and electoral reform. Fraser and his team are hosting community consultations where feedback, questions and concerns will be collected and consolidated into a report for each minister, on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Catherine McKenna and the Minister of Democratic Institutions, Maryam Monsef “Both Minister McKenna and Minister Monsef are seeking input from Canadians and we want to support them in tackling these pan-Canadian issues,” said Fraser. “This is a chance to make sure Central Nova’s voice is heard and that rural Nova Scotia weighs in on topics that affect all Canadians.” On July 19, Fraser will be cohosting a consultation in Antigonish with St. Francis Xavier University, which will also be accessible by live-stream. The evening will be moderated by Mary Coyle, executive director for St. FX's McKenna Centre for Leadership. On August 2, Fraser will be hosting a consultation at Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow with Jaimie Smith, Marram Consulting, moderating. At the consultations, the discussion on electoral reform will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the conversation on climate change from 8 to 9 p.m. All are welcome to attend to discuss either topic, or join the conversation for both. “We are energized by the feedback we have heard from constituents who have been asking for these meetings, and we are excited that St. FX has agreed to co-host the Antigonish event,” said Coyle. “Our university is honoured to provide a platform for vibrant and meaningful community engagement and we value our partnership with the federal government. The themes of climate change and electoral reform are of great importance to our students, faculty and staff, as they are to others in our

TOWN HALL MEETINGS ► July 7 – Scotsburn Constituency Office + Town Hall ► July 14 – River John Constituency Office + Town Hall Event ► July 19 – Antigonish Town Hall for Electoral Reform and Climate Change, St. Francis Xavier University, ► July 21 – Sheet Harbour Constituency Office + Town Hall Event ► August 2 – New Glasgow Town Hall for Electoral Reform and Climate Change ► August 3 – Pictou Landing First Nation Constituency Office + Town Hall Event ► August 10 – Lismore Constituency Office + Town Hall Event ► August 18 – Pictou County Town Hall Event ► August 31 – Antigonish Town Hall Event ► September 13 – NSCC Constituency Office + Town Hall region. I am delighted to be moderating the community consultation evening we are cohosting at St. FX and want to encourage everyone to join us as we engage in these important policy and future shaping discussions.” Fraser added, “Constituents are always welcomed and encouraged to reach out to us on these and any other topics.” Those unable to attend either of the scheduled sessions are encouraged to email Fraser's office at [email protected], or call 1-844-641-5886. Details for the live broadcast option for the July 19 meeting will be shared on Fraser’s website, www.seanfrasermp.ca, once available. These topic-specific community consultations are being held in addition to the series of 14 town hall community meetings Fraser and his office are hosting across the riding this summer. The full schedule for these meetings is available at www.seanfrasermp.ca.

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]

6

Opinion

The Advocate July 6, 2016

www.pictouadvocate.com

Canada needs postal peace O

ne would think a welcome way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of confederation in Canada next year would be for Canada Post and its workers to make peace permanently. Canada’s 149th birthday passed as another postal impasse loomed this week. A strike or lockout imposes hardship on many Canadian citizens and businesses, but this latest labour dispute is especially ill-timed. Postal workers already got a reprieve when the federal Liberals returned to power last fall with a promise to reverse the previous government’s plan to end door-to-door mail delivery. Ending the practice amounted to expecting Canadian taxpayers to pay more for less service. The Liberals also pledged to review Canada Post, consult with Canadians and present a plan on the service’s future by next June. Canadian Union of Postal Workers national president Mike Palecek has described two stages of work in a recent CUPW letter that includes a task force to gather information by September before a parliamentary committee consults with Canadians on options to present to the government by the end of this year. Surely, the employer and its employees’ labour representations can free Canadians from disrupted postal service between now and then. That should be especially true, given that pension issues are primarily what is driving this impending shutdown. What is known about Canada Post’s history is well

FLASHBACK ♦

documented, but it bears repeating. History records examples of how this employer and its employees don’t get along very well. There have been more than 20 service disruptions – strikes, lockouts and walkouts – since 1965. CUPW and Canada Post achieved an agreement in 2008 without any labour action, but the last one in 2011 only produced a deal after CUPW began with rotating strikes, Canada Post locked out its workers and the government imposed back-to-work legislation. This time, Canada Post has served a 72-hour lockout notice. CUPW has been leveraging favour from Canadian municipalities during its current campaign. That would seem strange on the door-to-door issue, considering so little of it remains. It exists only in New Glasgow and the Lourdes portion of Stellarton in Pictou County. Adding the matter of community mailboxes to the discussion is wise. Many of them already occupy locations that appear arbitrary and less userfriendly, and yet the more consumers pine for either door-todoor delivery or community mailboxes, the more justified Canada Post may feel it would be to close more post offices. Canada Post long ago lost its virtual monopoly on mail delivery. Yet it still makes money competing for its share of that business. Top service for a reasonable cost is its ticket to future survival and prosperity. Sometime in 2017, can we expect the federal government, Canada Post and its workers to resolve this?

PA RUGBY TEAM '53-54 From the left, back row: Ronnie Pettipas, Tom Hendrican, Duncan MacNiven, Robert MacAulay, Sandy MacLean, Jock Murray. Second row: Stan McNeill (assistant coach), Kenny Appleby, Orelle Gaudet, Donnie Grant, Howie Smith, Leo MacDonald (manager). Front row: (coach) Joe Brown, Larry Munro, Leroy Rankin, Russell Crockett, Tom Cheverie, Seaward Brown (faculty advisor). (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 ◆

Lobster Carnival offering something for everyone To the Editor: As chair of the 2016 Pictou Lobster Carnival I would like to welcome all visitors and Pictonians to this year’s events. I am excited to say that our event has something for all ages to enjoy. We have great committee members who are working hard at fundraising and organizing this year’s events. Some of this year’s highlights include: the annual Mardi Gras Parade, boat races ( both regular and modified), an antique car show, the Sobeys children’s parade, Pictou and Area Lions

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at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the deCoste parking lot.) They provide top quality entertainment in fire manipulation, with specialty fire acts along with acrobatics performance, sponsored by The Advocate. Showcasing individual’s talents is the Pictou Buskers. Be sure to look out for them at the Pictou Marina and other locations in the downtown area all weekend. We would also like to welcome (those on behalf of) the Black Battalion, which is celebrating its 100 anniversary the carnival weekend with us.

Scramble participation was a privilege

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.

Club derby race, Scotiabank bed races, Tammy Nichol princess pageant, Little Miss Mermaid and Prince Neptune pageant, dog show, and Run 4 the Lobster. We have fun for all ages including Hincheys Rides and an oldtime dance. New this year is our $10,000 fireworks display instead of our usual $5,000 show, sponsored in part by Sharon’s Place, still occurring on the carnival Friday. In addition to our regular events, this year we are thrilled to have the Atlantic Cirque Ltd. performing two shows (Sunday

To the Editor: We felt very privileged to be able to enter a Northern Pulp golf team in the Summer Street Industries 22nd Annual Golf Scramble at Abercrombie Golf Club this year. My sister has worked in this field of education for over 30 years and I can appreciate the hard work and commitment by the clients, workers, families and community members that help to create and nurture happy and successful citizens of our community. To me, their devotion and commitment to the success

REPORTER

Debbi Harvie (902) 301-5997

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of Summer Street Industries make them some of the most very special people you’ll ever meet. The party started the night before at the Abercrombie Country Club with a casino night. Games were available to play which helped raise funds for Special Olympics. It was a great success and a wonderful way to meet people that you would encounter the next day on the golf course. It was a blast. The golf tournament was the next day; it was a very special event that I won’t soon forget. It

REPORTER

Heather Brimicombe 902-301-1653

was a celebration for all sponsors, Summer Street Industries and fundraisers. On just about every hole there was something to eat, drink or simply play a unique game before you teed off. They had golf skills challenges (like golf pong), trivia contests, lawn darts and the chance to win a car on several holes. One very different and unique idea was that there were some small business ventures mixed in throughout the course which allowed everyone to build community friendships as well as promote business opportunities

amongst sponsorship leaders. I found this to be very creative and inspirational. Everyone at Summer Street makes all the events I attend very memorable and special because they have the amazing ability to make you feel happy and joyous while in their presence – and this event was no different! The sponsorships involved in this event are remarkable. They help the facility maintain and build on its operations, ideas and development structure. A couple of the long-serving sponsors collected over $30,000 each on their pledge sheets this year. Continued on page 7

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We also have great, great entertainment Friday, Saturday and all day Sunday, closing Sunday night with The Stanfields. The carnival committee would like to wish a very special welcome home to all the Pictou Academy grads celebrating 200 years. Volunteers have this year’s show ready to go. We just ask for Mother Nature’s support. On behalf of the committee and myself, I hope you all get out and enjoy the weekend. Shawn McNamara Carnival chairman

Silvia Schaaf 902-301-2554

Blake Ross 902-759-5054

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The Advocate July 6, 2013

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Scramble ...

HOMETOWN HEROES

Linthorne holds county close to home 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]

STELLARTON – James Linthorne took a rare opportunity recently to return home to Pictou County. Linthorne used his time home to include participation in the Joe Earle Memorial Road races in Trenton, but he has established himself in Alberta. “We try to get home every year, but now that we have two daughters that may change,” he said. “We like getting home when we can.” He was born in Stellarton, graduated from Stellarton High School and studied at Red Deer College before graduating from the University of Alberta with a physical education degree spe-

cializing in active living health and well-being. He lives in Edmonton, was an exercise physiologist for 11 years at MacEwan University in Edmonton and on April 25, joined the City of Edmonton as a member experiences program co-ordinator. “I travel around the City of Edmonton’s recreation facilities working on member retention, making the experience for members more positive and engaging,” he said. Linthorne said he appreciates his time boxing when he was a youth. He was a successful member of the Albion Amateur Boxing Club. “It was huge – the whole active living and competition,” he said. He said fellow Pictou County residents Richard Cameron and the late Fred Lays also had a profound influence on him, encouraging him to pursue the career path he’s undertaken. “They said I needed to pursue this,” he said. “When I graduated in 2001, I worked a full year at the Y. That’s when I sought out the programs out west and worked at the Y in the summers.”

Community

James Linthorne completed a run during the 2016 Joe Earle Memorial Road Races when he visited Pictou County in May. (Goodwin photo)

Continued from page 6 This gave me a whole new meaning to what a pledge sheet means. Wow. Collectively the pledges this year raised over $167,000 and over the last 22 years, Summer Street Industries through their Annual Golf Scramble has raised over $2.6 million in donations for their facility. I felt proud and privileged to be in the same room with so many kind and wonderful people at the post-golf banquet. It was really nice to see the personal performances by clients and the video thank you from the Summer Street family. It was a nice way for them to show us they recognize and appreciate our support. The entire team (staff, clients, etc.) of Summer Street Industries were very appreciative of the enormous amount of sponsorship, kindness, friendship and family support they received over the past couple of days from the scramble teams – but even more specifically the on-going support from the community throughout the year. Finally, I’m sure my colleagues and friends (Jennifer Buchanan, Michael Wilson and Phil Redden) who golfed with me in the 22nd Annual Summer Street Scramble would agree that all of this fun wouldn’t

7

have been possible without the community support shown by Bruce Chapman and Kathy Cloutier. We would like to thank them for this honour and privilege to represent Northern Pulp in this incredible community event. We had a lot of fun and got to meet wonderful new friends. I just can’t say it enough – this great event showcased commitment, community, hard work, generosity, family and love. It was a first-class event and we look forward to defending our ‘best dressed team’ and ‘best dressed cart’ winning titles next year. I would like to challenge all of us at Northern Pulp to return in 2017 and take home the Most Improved Percentage in Donations Raised Award as a team – showing the continued support from all of us here at the mill. We are very happy for all the years of success that Summer Street has encountered and we will continue to enjoy watching the facility grow. Most importantly, we would like to thank Summer Street Industries for making us feel at home. Thank you! Much love and success in the coming year. Dana Cameron On behalf of teammates Jennifer Buchanan, Phil Redden, Michael Wilson and Kathy Cloutier Oh by the way, if you’ve been waiting for me to tell you – we scored a 67 (4 under).

Pictou businesses gear up for busy season By Debbi Harvie [email protected]

PICTOU – The busy summer season is here and local Pictou businesses are gearing up for tourist season. Barry Randle, chairman of the Pictou Business and Marketing Society, says the town has already seen tourists from across the Maritimes, the US and even from Europe. As the businesses gear up for the busy season, the PBMS is gearing down until September, but is still working on projects that will benefit the town. “The town will be putting up some way finding signs,” he says. “This has been an ongoing project.” Nicole Battist, deputy clerk for Pictou, noted there are going to be a minimum of three signs erected later this summer. “One is going to be a service club sign that will be near the new roundabout,” she explains, “and there will be more along West River Road as you come into town.” The signs are approximately 12 feet in height. The PBMS has also partnered with The Advocate to create a map of Pictou high-

One of the rookie golf teams in the Summer Street Industries 22nd Annual Golf Scramble at Abercrombie Golf Club this year was the team from Northern Pulp. They are, from the left, Jennifer Buchanan, Michael Wilson, Phil Redden, Dana Cameron (Submitted photo) and Kathy Cloutier.

The Pictou Business and Marketing Society gathered recently in the Stone Soup Cafe in downtown Pictou for their annual general meeting. (Brimicombe photo) lighting the various businesses in town. “We (usually) have a summer student ambassador who (will) greet tourists and provide information on events going on throughout the town, so (when hired) they will be able to hand out these maps as well.” Randle says they are hoping to find someone who is outgoing with good social media

skills for the ambassador position so the information is readily available to everyone. The Pictou Garden Club also plays a role in making the downtown beautiful by planting various flowers and it has big plans for a revamp of Market Square on Water Street. As for local businesses, Randle says many have been hiring new staff for the summer

months and organizing for the multitude of bus tours that make their way through the town. The PBMS is also looking to expand its membership from the downtown core to include the entire town, so any business owner interested in becoming a part of the society can contact Barry Randle at the Stone Soup Cafe.

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Gardening Challenges with Farmer Bob Wouldn’t life be a lot simpler without bugs, at least the ones that bug us or our plants, shrubs and trees. Actually, we sorely need bugs for decomposition of organic matter and many bugs serve a role in pollination and other critical activities. One bug that I’ve learned to despise is the cucumber beetle, a black and yellow striped fellow about ½ cm(1/4” long). The minute you set out your transplants of cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins or melons, these fellas just seem to appear and soon riddle the leaves. I counted over 50 on one pumpkin leaf after it was planted in the field. For many gardeners, the worst enemy is the very destructive lily beetle and for many, no doubt, the voracious potato beetle is enemy #1. Bugs on fruit trees and many shrubs, especially snowball bushes can make an awful mess and destroy the bush or tree over time. If you know the bugs are coming every year, be prepared to spray them early, not after the damage is done. Most of the products on the market today for homeowners are very safe but not as effective as in past years. I have found that ‘pyrethrin’, sold under many brand names, including ‘Bug-B-Gon’, can be effective if used early and several sprays a few days apart. If bees are in the area, wait until late evening to spray, just to be on the safe side.

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8

Community

The Advocate July 6, 2016

www.pictouadvocate.com

Tuck, McCallum visiting county in three stops this month By Aaron Cameron [email protected]

The lengthy 30-plus date tour of Al Tuck and Thomas McCallum will soon be swinging through the area with shows in New Glasgow and Alma on July 9 and 11 respectively and River John on July 24. Tuck is a singer-songwriter who has written songs recorded by a who's who of top-notch CanCon including Big Sugar, Erin Costello and Joel Plaskett, while McCallum – of Six Mile Brook – is a songwriter on the rise with Crocus Song disc to his credit. The tour has already taken the pair all over the Atlantic Provinces. “We've had a grand time,” McCallum said. “Newfoundland treated us famously. It was my first time up that way as an adult. People would ask me if it was my first time in Newfoundland and I'd say I've actually toured Newfoundland before, and they'd say 'oh really' and I'd say 'yes, I toured it in Grade 6 with the Pictou District Honour Choir'. I don't know how impressive that was.” McCallum said he and Tuck

Thomas McCallum, left, and Al Tuck will be performing throughout the county later this month. (Submitted photo) met through mutual friends in the “Anglican Church circles” and he later approached Tuck with the idea of a joint tour. Tuck plotted June's shows while McCallum booked the July gigs and the pair made an effort to bring their music to smaller towns and rural locations. “It's important to take it to the small places because the small places are important,” McCallum said. “The small towns in the Maritimes embody

or contain the memories and practices of an older world that's slipping away. Skills and social structures, like friendliness, that I think may be lost on larger, urban centres. There's memory and beauty in the small town.” McCallum said both artists will be on stage for the majority of the show with one backing the other during each other’s songs rather than a songwriter circle trade off. McCallum said when it comes to the backing role he has an easier time of it

due to his fandom of Tuck's work while some of McCallum's newer material will feature him alone. McCallum cited a deep appreciation for Tuck's work and not just because it adapts well to the penny whistle. “It gets in touch with the human condition in a way that very few song writers can,” McCallum said, “He's witty, he has wit. Wit I think has been largely replaced by schmaltz in a lot of modern song writing. It's like reading a book like the Little Prince or Wind in the Willows. You can read it every year and you get something different out of it every time. He has achieved what I'm going for in that his song writing is truly literary. He puts real work into his songs... and he's just a lot of fun.” Tuck and McCallum's tour will see them in New Glasgow at The Commune on July 9 at 9 p.m., at the Greenhill-Alma United Church on July 11 at 7:30 p.m., and in River John at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church on July 24 at 4 p.m. during the River John Festival Days. Additional information about the tour can be found through the artists respective Facebook pages.

Local video gaining momentum By Aaron Cameron [email protected]

It's been more than a month since the lights went down on Lacey Morrell's CD release party but the music of Heartland is continuing to create ripples and find new fans for the PictouCounty based singer-songwriter. Shortly after Morrell's guest star-packed release party, the artist debuted a video for her song Plenty. The video, which can be found on the Lacey Morrell YouTube channel, has to date gained nearly 1,800 views – no small feat for a locally made, independent music video. “I wanted to make this video,” Morrell said, “not only for myself and to promote my music, but also for this county. Times are hard in Pictou County, and have been for a long time, but we still have beauty here, too. We live in an incredible place with kind-

Caledonia Scottish Orchestra to play Glasgow Square Caledonia Scottish Orchestra of Nova Scotia will give a concert on July 15 at 7 p.m. in the New Glasgow Square Theatre. Under the direction of Nelson Ferguson, the orchestra will offer a varied selection of two-steps, slow airs, jigs, reels, polkas, waltzes and an audience singalong. Guest artists will include the Performance Group of Pictou County Highland Dancers, well known New Brunswick fiddler Crystal Jones and vocalist Sarah Lennerton. Organized in 1993, the orchestra has 35 musicians playing violins, accordions, bass, cello, keyboard, percussions, flutes and pipes. The members come from metro Halifax, Hants, Colchester, Cumberland and Pictou Counties and New Brunswick. Members volunteer their time and talents giving benefit concerts to raise money for various charities throughout the province. The orchestra recently recorded their fourth CD – One Hundred Thousand Welcomes, which will be available this autumn. Tickets for the concerts are $15 and can be purchased at the door. When the Scots left the Highlands and villages in the 18th and 19th centuries for Nova Scotia, they brought with them their fiddles, drums and pipes to keep alive the traditional music and culture of their homelands. The Caledonia Orchestra through its concerts and CDs is continuing that tradition by keeping alive the culture of old Scotland for present and future generations of New Scotland.

hearted, genuine people and we deserve to be proud of our home.” Morrell described 'Plenty' as being about ‘remembering the important things in life.’ “Friends, family and the humanity around us,” Morrell said. “It's about caring for something greater than ourselves, something more valuable than money and more precious than gold. It is about the legacy of a parent being passed from one generation to the next, in the hopes that the future will understand what to value and how to improve society.” The video was shot by A for Adventure – a Dartmouth-based film company Morrell described as having a “mission to inspire people to get outside and explore the world around them.” The video's storyline was written by the artist herself with her husband Jocelyn and was shot at Melmerby Beach and Big

Island. “Having grown up here,” Morrell said, “this is my Heartland, which brought forth the name of my album. I grew up visiting Melmerby Beach and Big Island, and I knew this would be the perfect backdrop for what I considered to be a necessary story to tell.” The video features Morrell singing to camera, riding horse back and playing around the camp fire with friends, all of which is contrasted with a young girl living out the message of the song. “We knew we wanted something simple, beautiful and heartfelt,” Morrell said. “We knew we needed a young girl to play the biggest role in the video, to carry the message through to the audience. We started with the innocence of this little girl who discovers a message left from her father – 'it's not what's in your pockets,

it's the friends you've got around'.” “Like many of us, she isn't able to truly grasp the concept at such a young age, but she carries it with her through her life until she is ready to understand.” The young girl was played by Klaira Flemming, a student at G.R. Saunders who Morrell invited into the project based on Klaira's love of singing and dancing and her ease at acting. “She took direction like a pro and enjoyed every moment of the experience,” Morrell said. “When the video was finished, we sat together and watched it. It was very emotional and we all felt very proud to be part of something so beautiful.” The video as well as other visual content can be found on the Lacey Morrell's official YouTube channel or by searching 'Lacey Morrell' on YouTube. com

The North Shore Boot Scooters line dance group poses for a picture after entertaining the crowd at the Canada Day celebrations in Bissell Park, River John, on Friday. (Submitted photo)

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Libraries: A place to learn from others When the word ‘library’ comes up in conversation, many think about a place where they can borrow books, DVDs, magazines and other items. People often overlook the fact that their local library also provides access to equipment, resources and free programming. Libraries can also be a place to exchange ideas, share knowledge and keep informed. Connecting and learning through technology In libraries throughout Pictou County, there are computers allowing people free access to the Internet and other software. These computers are made possible by the Nova Scotia Community Access Program (also known as NSCAP) and are often called NSCAP sites. These sites will also have shared access to technology assistants this summer providing one-on-one mentoring for all ages, and helping out with programs and cybercamps for kids. These cybercamps range in topic from building robots with LEGO to teaching children about animation software. This year’s recent addition of new technology and gadgets, like Virtual Reality goggles, 3D printers, ‘Little Bits’ Kits (funded in part by the Friends of the Antigonish Library) and even a button maker (funded by the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program) also adds a new dimension and dynamic to the summer programming, and gives children the opportunity to get creative and experience technology they may not normally have access to. For more information on upcoming cybercamps and summer programming, or to make a one-on-one mentoring appointment, contact your local library. Check with your local library for more details on summer programming, or visit our upcoming events page at www.parl.ns.ca. Since technology and gadgets will be shared between libraries, schedules may vary according to location. Connecting with others –

At the Library HOLLY MACLEAN is community outreach assistant for Pictou County Today, July 6 in the New Glasgow Library there will be a few panel discussions related to LGBTQ issues to celebrate Pictou County Pride Week. The first one starts at 2 p.m. and the evening one begins at 6 p.m. All are welcome! Looking to connect around the campfire without the actual fire? Join the Pictou Library for their annual Family Campfire time complete with campfire songs and s’mores on Thursday starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your best “knock knock” jokes and get the family in the Lobster Carnival spirit! For information call (902) 485-5021. Important note for Books-byMail borrowers – In the event of a postal service strike, we will be unable to offer delivery to personal mailboxes through our Books-by-Mail service. If you are a Books-by-Mail borrower, contact Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library Headquarters by calling (902) 755-6031 locally, 1 (866) 7797761 toll-free or emailing bbm@ nsngp.library.ns.ca to work out alternative delivery arrangements. The Interlibrary Loans Services will also be disrupted during this time period. The library will make efforts to borrow and exchange materials borrowed from other Regional Public, Academic and Special Libraries, although the delivery of materials will be slower.

Local, Fresh & Flourishing As a Farmers Market, our first focus is on “primary” producers; the meat and potatoes, literally. We have many local farmers that join us through the season and of course we are always ready to welcome more! This week, I’d like to give you a brief introduction: At the Market you will find a variety of fresh, naturally raised meats. BLM Meats, 2015 Cattle producer of the year has naturally raised beef in just about any cut you could want. Little Dan D Farm, has farm fresh pork, including ribs, bacon and sausages, maple syrup and farm fresh eggs. You can also order fresh chicken from them as well; both are located in Pictou County. Little Dorset Farm joins us from Middle Musquodoboit with a variety of naturally raised meats including beef, chicken and pork as well as meat pies and sausage rolls. If you love lamb, we have that too! Pick up fresh lamb sausages from Lismore Sheep Farm. We have just the right thing for your BBQ! In addition to fresh meat, you can also find your other staples at the Market. You will find salad greens and toppings like radishes, tomatoes, spinach, greens and onions from local Pictou County Farms like Lakenman’s Farm, Friesen’s Farm Fresh and more producers throughout the season. Cochrane Family Farm Certified Organic joins us from Musquodoboit with certified organic produce and they also currently have fresh strawberries with them! The Market is great for finding things that you won’t find anywhere else. Bramble Hill Farm has a selection of unique vegetables such as diakon, a very colourful and tasty radish alternative, hops and microgreens including sprouts, corn shoots, pea shoots and more! The Market is also home to duck and quail eggs (chicken eggs too) from Knotty Acres. You will find locally grown mushrooms, both fresh and dried. So much grown right here with less than a few kilometers from the farm to your table! You can’t get fresher than that! Before I close for the week, I would like to invite you to come out to our Market Kitchen Party on Sunday, July 17th. Held at the market from 4pm-6pm, it’s a BBQ fundraiser to help us stock the new Kitchen with some wares! Your meal includes an all-beef burger from Auchencairn Farm, sausage (pork or lamb), salads made from Market greens, dessert, a drink and coffee or tea. Gluten Free or Vegetarian? Not a problem! Just let us know when you buy your ticket! Your experience also includes fabulous local music from Pat Spaulding, Singer/Songwriter. Tickets to this fun family event are only $15 for adults and $8 for children under 10. Purchase them at the Welcome table this Saturday or visit our website at ngfarmmarket.com and click on ‘Events’ or visit our Facebook page and click on ‘Buy Tickets’. Start your grocery shopping with us on Saturday morning; you’ll be surprised at what you find! See you at the Market! Market Manager, Kristi

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Coffee Break 9

The Advocate July 6, 2016

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10

Sports

The Advocate July 6, 2016

www.pictouadvocate.com

Pictou County

SPORTS

Send scores, reports and sports items to Steve Goodwin at 485-8014 or email [email protected] •

Tic Williams was the best Maripac

OBSTACLE COURSE RACING

Fit Chix repeat Mud Hero run

Y

By Steve Goodwin [email protected]

PLYMOUTH – The Down ‘n’ Dirty Fit Chicks are at it again. Six members of the local 60-something fitness group – including their coach and instructor Cheryl Lays – have been training for another trip to the annual Mud Hero, an OCR sanctioned event at Ski Martock near Windsor, N.S. Besides Lays, the team includes newcomers Janet MacLean and Vera Campbell and returning athletes Susan Lindblad, Dorothy Benoit and Ruth Thompson. Lays leads her group of women – including those who do the Mud Hero event – through workouts once or twice a week at the Plymouth Community Centre. MacLean has been with the group for three years, but this year she decided to compete at Martock. “They went last year,” she said. “I said I’m in. I’m going.” It’s a close-knit group. The women wear outfits with hot pink T-shirts emblazoned with Down 'n' Dirty Fit Chix on the back. They made a statement with their attire last year at Martock and last March during a

From the left: Janet MacLean, Dorothy Benoit, Cheryl Lays and Ruth Thompson flex their muscles before the Mud Hero OCR event taking place this weekend. (Goodwin photo) trip nine of them made to Cuba. “There’s a kinship,” Thompson said. “It’s like an extended family,” Lays said. “We just like being together.” Lays recalled the music being played before last year’s Mud

Hero event at Martock. The Fit Chix started performing aerobics to the beat of the music. “Younger girls were there saying ‘Look at those girls,’” Lays said. “It’s great to be old. Based on (The Fit Chix’) fitness, they can do so much more. I

think we’re strong, but our aim is to go, not to win.” Lays feels those teammates who were at the Mud Hero event last year will be more used to it. “It’s intimidating when you get there,” she said. “I overcame my fear of heights.”

SPORTS BRIEFS ◆

Henderson eyes golf title NEW GLASGOW – Threetime winner and two-time defending champion Julia Henderson of New Glasgow will contest the Nova Scotia women’s amateur golf championship this week. Henderson will tee off at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday for the 54-hole event that ends on Saturday at Brightwood Golf and Country Club in Dartmouth. The top three golfers will qualify for Nova Scotia’s team at the Canadian women’s amateur championship in New Minas, N.S. at the Ken-Wo club from July 26 to 29.

Laffin, Wolfe among leaders

LRoyals hurler Josh Fushtey delivers a pitch on Saturday durig the second game of their doubleheader with the Windsor Knights on Saturday in Stellarton. (Goodwin photos)

BASEBALL ARISAIG – Former Trenton Rangers players Pat Laffin of the Arisaig Blues and Mike Wolfe of the Pomquet Acadians are contributing to their respective teams in the AGR Fastball League. Laffin has won his two decisions for the Blues, who sport a 4-0 record, while Wolfe has a 1-0 record with the 4-1 Acadians. The two teams have the only winning records in the five-team league. Laffin is fourth with 11 strikeouts and his total of two home runs puts him second to teammate Craig MacDonald’s three homers. MacDonald leads the league with 13 runs batted in, while Laffin is tied for third with five RBIs. The teams are scheduled to meet today at 7 p.m. in Pomquet, July 22 at 8 p.m. at the Regional Field in Antigonish and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Arisaig Field.

Royals host Yarmouth after dropping twin-bill STELLARTON – The Pictou County Royals will try to get back to .500 on Saturday when they host the Yarmouth Gateways for two games at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Albion Athletic Field. The Pictou County Albions will host the Gateways for two games at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in Stellarton on Sunday. The Royals sit at 6-8 in the Nova Scotia Intermediate Baseball League standings after dropping two tough seven-inning games by scores of 2-1 and

4-l to the Windsor Knights last Saturday in Stellarton. The Knights’ 8-2 record gives them the best record in the eight-team league, while the Noel Road Blue Jays are 8-3 and lead the standings based on points for wins. The Albions are 6-6 entering this weekend. In Saturday’s games, the Knights led 2-0 after single runs in the first and second innings. The Royals scored their run in the bottom of the seventh inning

when Noah Delorey scored on Matt MacLean’s single. Blair Dewtie took the loss. Lucas MacDonald scored the Royals’ only run to give them a 1-0 lead when he engineered a bunt single, stole second, reached third on a wild pitch and scored on Ryan Camp’s groundball out. Windsor tied the game and scored their other three runs in the top of the seventh. The result spoiled a valiant effort by losing pitcher Josh Fushtey.

ou would have to be as old as me – or pretty darn close – to remember watching Tic Williams playing hockey for the Pictou Maripacs. It was long ago. He was Robert Williams on his birth certificate, born in Charlottetown, but around Pictou, around the county, around Nova Scotia and the Maritimes, he was Tic. No additional name was needed. Wow, was he good. Many moons ago, in a column in another newspaper, I said he was one of the best senior players ever in Pictou County. Definitely the very best Maripac – among a lot of great players who wore Maripac jerseys in that era. I think of Tic particularly now because, if he were still alive, he would have turned 100 years old this year. He never made it to his centennial. He never made it to his senior years. He didn't even come close to enjoying retirement. He died too young. Much too young. For a man so very talented, a man capable of scoring in Maurice (Rocket) Richard fashion, a man who had enormous hockey skills squeezed into a 5-foot-10 frame, a man who created excitement every time he hit the ice, his premature death came as a huge shock to everybody who watched him. He had come to Pictou in 194243 at the age of 26, having already played senior hockey with teams in Reserve Mines, Sydney, North Sydney and, for one year, in Ontario. He adopted Pictou, and Pictou adopted him. He played for the Pictou Shipbuilders, the Pictou Refitters, the Pictou Sunbeams and finally the Pictou Maripacs. He also picked up a few playoff games with the New Glasgow Bombers and Truro Bearcats. Mostly, he was a Maripac. In my growing-up years, one of the teams I enjoyed watching the most was the 1952-53 Maripacs, a club that beat the Antigonish Bulldogs and Stellarton Royals to capture the APC league title, then waged a great battle with the Lunenburg Falcons in the provincial finals. That wasn't Tic's only championship in the shiretown. He enjoyed others. Oh how he could score! He had a 53-goal season in 1948-49, just about the time I began seeing him in action. He also had seasons of 43 goals, 42 goals, 38 goals and 33 goals. One year, 1949-50, he had 101 points in just 32 games. In another, 1951-52, he produced 96 points in only 29 games. And consider this: he won the APC Senior Hockey League scoring champion six times and tied for a seventh. I'm not aware of any player coming close to that achievement. After all this time, I can still remember a special game at Stellarton Memorial Rink in 1953 between the Maripacs and Trenton Scotias. It was Tic Williams Night. I can still see that brand new Pontiac being driven onto the ice to be presented to the man of the hour. A large banner on the car proclaimed: “Our Tic Williams, Mr. APC League, 1942-53.” Three decades after his death, he was inducted posthumously at the inaugural induction ceremony of the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame in 1990. He hadn't been forgotten. He had some wonderful teammates in Pictou, fellows like Allie Morrison, Ab MacKinnon, Max Murdock, Kink MacDonald, Sonny MacDonald, Bobby Beaton, Mel Gadd, Frankie Prozenor, Stan MacDougall and Laurie Burbidge.

Hugh's Highland View HUGH TOWNSEND A New Glasgow native and Nova Scotia sports journalist for almost 60 years. [email protected]

But his long-time linemate, his greatest supporter, his closest friend was Mark Babineau, an outstanding player in his own right. They were inseparable pals, literally to the end. A number of years ago, Babineau and I talked about Williams. “I marvelled at his finesse,” Mark said. “It was like watching Gordie Howe or Jean Beliveau or any of those NHLers. This guy had it all. He was quite a man to get to know. If he knew you were trying or putting out 100 per cent, he'd really try to help you.” Babineau's career included a year with New Haven in the Eastern Professional League, where he was on a line with two other Nova Scotians, Truro's Art Dorrington and New Glasgow's Courtney Malcolm. He wasn't fussy about playing away from home. He was far happier back in Pictou, with the Maripacs, especially in his years alongside Williams. “The highlights of my career,” he told me, “were being on that team and playing for eight years with Tic Williams.” As friends, as teammates, Tic and Mark had no idea what was coming in the future. The first shocker occurred in November 1954 at the Halifax Forum. It was the very first game of the APC season, a contest between the Maripacs and the Wolverines. Williams was the playing coach for Pictou that winter and, once more, Babineau was a linemate. This is how Babineau told me what happened: “It was very early in the game. Tic was sitting on the bench and everyone was wondering what was wrong. He never said anything. In between periods, he just sat there in the dressing room. Afterwards, he couldn't take off his skates and we took him right to the hospital.” Tic, only 39, had suffered a heart attack. Right there, in Halifax, a brilliant hockey career ended. There would be no more games, no more spectacular goals, no more standing ovations from the fans. The second shock – the bigger, sadder one – happened one night in 1960 at the Pictou Arena. Two old hockey pals, two dear friends, were enjoying a skating session. Suddenly, with no warning, Tic collapsed and died in Mark's arms. It happened right there, on the same ice surface where the two of them had enjoyed so many wonderful hockey experiences together, combining for so many great goal scoring plays, and so many Maripac victories. Tic was just 44. All these years later, I think it's only fitting that those of us who were fortunate to see and admire his magnificent play, should recall once more, an athletically-gifted man who was taken far too soon.

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