Dream comes true in Glace Bay
Our communities have their share of citizens who tend to view the glass as “half-empty” and never look at the possibilities that are staring them in the face.
Not so for the Glace Bay Commons Committee.
A year ago, a small group of community-minded citizens banded together with a vision for the South Street Ball Park. Their dreams were huge in nature and I’m sure that they faced their fair share of doubters who felt that it was an impossible dream. But they knew what they wanted for the community and worked until it was done. Sort of reminds me of that old Cape Breton saying ... “Get ‘er done.”
Jan. 24 was their finest hour as their vision was unveiled to the Cape Breton community with officials from all three levels of government teaming up to announce $330,000 in funding for the South Street Complex. The politicians deserve our appreciation for coming together to make the dream possible.
Everyone in Glace Bay and surrounding communities should stand up and cheer. This successful project was created through the dedication of Dana Milley, Charlene Bradbury and their team. These people never let go of their dream for the rest of us.
The dream is bigger than acquiring a new sports facility for Glace Bay. Their dream is for all the kids in the area to have a welcoming place to gather, to participate in physical activity and to just be kids. They want a place where families can go to get healthy. All this creates a healthy community – physically as well as mentally.
Sometimes our young people get a bad reputation but anyone who works with children knows that it is so far from the truth.
Recently, a friend of mine posted a story on Facebook of an encounter with a group of young men in the parking lot at the Glace Bay Superstore. My friend was leaving the grocery store with her elderly mother while trying to handle two grocery carts. Her mother had purchased new placemats and they blew out of her cart.
Some young students from Glace Bay High came to the rescue. They chased the placemats down and returned them to the grateful ladies. These young men are not “the exception to the rule.” Our students are kind, caring individuals who will always go out of their way to help others.
I spent my entire teaching career in the Glace Bay school system and had the pleasure of meeting thousands of students ... all fine people.
At times some young people may look a bit intimidating but they are just expressing their individuality. Look beyond the pink/ green hair, the piercings and the tattoos and find the goodness in their hearts.
Our communities need to create positive memories for our children. When they become adults we want them to look back at their youth and want to stay and raise their own children here.
This is the only way that our communities can grow and thrive.
Another community group that deserves mention is the New Aberdeen Revitalization Committee. Al Moore always seems so proud of that group of citizens.
To people like Dana Milley, Charlene Bradbury and Al Moore along with numerous others on these committees who work so hard to create a new vision for Glace Bay ... thank You!