Fox Point Community Centre Open House

The Fox Point Community Centre is a little more than a year old but it's come a long way and is providing a valuable service to the area.  At their open house Saturday, October 13th, they showed off some of their accomplishments such as the fitness centre which has treadmills, an elliptical trainer, weight machines, free weights and there's a personal trainer available.

Amy Delorey and I in the fitness centre.  

Amy Delorey is the "go-to" person you'll find at the centre five days a week.  The centre also has a toy library and a community room which is available for rent for a small fee. There are children's programs too.  This past summer those programs included Positive Publishing and Messy science.  The kids learned how to make a volcano and geysers, as well as play doh.

5 year old Kaylee Tufts learns about volcanoes from Dakota Inglis, a volunteer at the centre.

The geyser demonstration shows that a mixture of soda pop and mints can go a long way!

The centre is now offering after school programs.  For more information on the community centre their web site is: www.hhellps.com or call 858-3440.

Thanksgiving Open House at Aspotogan Heritage Trust

Things were busy at the Aspotogan Heritage Trust Open House in Hubbards on Saturday, October 6th. The Heritage Trust is so important to the Aspotogan community. It fosters and supports community groups and community projects by providing finances and know-how. Suzanne Brown is the 'Community Navigator' for the Trust. If you have a specific issue or concern she can point you to the right department or agency to deal with it. Community Wheels is another one of the initiatives the Trust has helped get on the road. The service is available to people of all ages and allows those without a car to be able to get to appointments and other places they need to go.

Jeff Hirsch with his daughters Grace and Robyn try to find just the right pumpkin for the holiday.

Hubbards resident Hilda Duncan and I celebrating the day.

Sandra Meister, Community Wheels coordinator and Osborne MacDow, one of the drivers, in front of their newest set of wheels.

Speech at Rotary Club of Halifax

On September 20th I was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Halifax's regular meeting. Rotarians are committed to public service through many means. One of their objectives is to promote "high ethical standards in business and professions". They have a 'Four-Way Test' which should govern what we "say, think or do". The first test is "Is it the truth?"

My topic was my transition from a career in journalism to politics. High ethical standards and the truth play an important part in both. I said, 

"Journalists seek to find the truth about a situation or issue. Not a version of the truth, the truth. Because I believe truth is absolute.

I believe a politician has an obligation to the truth."

"A journalist's credibility is their most valuable commodity. Once it is gone, you never get it back. 

 I believe it’s the same for a politician.

That is why I believe honesty, transparency and accountability are just as important to me as a politician as they were to me as a journalist."

I applaud the Rotary Club of Halifax's many endeavours including work at the IWK Hospital for Children, promoting citizenship and their current project of planting trees as part of an urban reforestation project.

Jamie Baillie & Janet in Chester

On September 13th, before my formal nomination in the evening, Jamie Baillie and I visited some businesses in the Chester area. We stopped at Bonny Lea Farm. Bonny Lea Farm gives people with disabilities opportunities to learn skills that can lead to meaningful and productive lives in their communities. Bonny Lea Farm produces many garden related products.

 We visited Sealand Industries. For more than 40 years Sealand has provided sales and service for the area's commercial and pleasure boating needs.

We also visited GN Thermoforming Equipment in East Chester. They are manufactures of thermoforming equipment and tooling for plastic packaging. They have markets all over the world. A real success story in the Chester area.

Nomination Speech

On the evening of September 13th, I was formally announced as the candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia in the constituency of Chester-St. Margaret's. PC Leader Jamie Baillie was on hand to share in the celebration. I am very honoured to be your candidate. There was a great turnout at St. Stephen's Parish Hall in Chester. It was a time for me to say thank you to all those who supported my nomination and to move on to the next phase, campaigning to win back this seat. Here is a video of my speech.

Walk With Her

On the evening of August 29th I participated in 'Walk With Her' in Dartmouth. Walk With Her is a monthly, non-partisan walking group that includes local female politicians talking about diversity. The topic for this month was 'DIY Healthcare'. Other participants included Diana Whalen, MLA Halifax Clayton Park, Jennifer Watts, candidate for HRM Councillor in District 8-Penninsula North, Rebecca Faria of Hollaback! Halifax and Gillian Wesley, a blogger at The Local Traveller. The topics included the importance of a designated 'Family Day', appreciating local sites and culture and my topic about how raising edible plants can promote a healthier mind & body. Good company, good conversation and a lovely walk on a beautiful evening.

The Forties Flower Show

On August 29th I attended The Forties 60th Annual Flower Show sponsored by the Forties Garden Club. As an avid gardener I appreciate the time and effort that goes into raising beautiful flowers. The participants submitted their flowers in stunning arrangements. The Forties Garden Club is to be congratulated on holding its 60th annual show, a remarkable testament to the community spirit in The Forties.

Pansy Hiltz (far right) receives one of her awards

One of Pansy Hiltz's arrangements

Mary Reeves & Frances Keddy, current & founding Presidents of the Forties Garden Club