Change can be good
Local group working towards turning neglected space into park
Oftentimes changes have to be made by individuals or groups, and it’s not always an easy thing to do.
We love to hang on to the familiar, comfortable, sometimes easy routines we have. But change is good, and “going with the flow” makes those changes more manageable.
When Archibald Wharf was sold recently, leaving the town upset and uncomfortable, many people were discouraged when their attempts at stopping the sale were not successful. Rather than dwell on what couldn’t be changed, a group of dedicated Northsiders joined together to find something positive that could be done. That group, the Victory Park Society chaired by Ryan Duff, proposes to change a neglected space into a waterfront park.
To that end, the society is currently holding fundraising events to reach the goal of purchasing land in the downtown area. A recent Mother’s Day ticket draw was held, and an upcoming variety concert is planned for May 21 at St Joseph Church. Doors open at 6 p.m. and entertainment starts at 7 p.m. sharp. Admission is by monetary donations at the door, with many talented performers on the schedule. Singers include Lynda Maxwell, Emily Dingwall, Alan Gale, Dane Pederson and Sarah Musgrave. Fiddlers performing are Shawn MacDonald, Matt Earhart and Sarah Musgrave accompanied by pianists Dougie MacPhee and Marguerite Musgrave.
Any time you can gather to hear great music and raise money for a good cause, you should do so. There will also be fudge sales and 50/50 draw. Give what you can and have a great time. No doubt we’ll hear more about this cause in the future.
What do you think of a “Bee Friendly Pollinator Garden” in town? It would be a community garden with flowers, vegetables, herbs and berries, located at Smelt Brook Park. This is an initiative of the BIDA of North Sydney, who applied for a grant and was awarded $2,000 towards this project by Patagonia, an environmentally aware outdoor clothing designer group. Other donations of $500 have come in and a list of volunteers has begun. Compost will be donated by the CBRM and the money will go towards materials for building the beds, amending the soil and buying seeds.
This will be a garden for all to enjoy in some way, whether by working in it, walking by it, donating to it, or enjoying the produce from it. All produce will go to the food bank. This will be a wonderful addition to our community.
On Wednesday, May 17, there will be a reading at the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library by Graham Reynolds, whose book “Viola Desmond’s Canada,” is shortlisted for the 2017 Robbie Robertson Dartmouth Book Award. He holds the Viola Desmond Chair for Social Justice at Cape Breton University. Wanda Robson will share stories of her sister’s extraordinary life. Everyone is welcome.
On May 27, St. John Anglican Church will hold a flea market and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free admission with lots of treasures and delicious baked goods.
Belated Happy Mother’s Day to women everywhere who have impacted a child’s life in some way. Take care.