Small towns, big hearts, good news
The Casket is your free community connection
Tammy Macgregor was born and raised in Antigonish, and she's proud to be raising her family in the same small town she's always loved.
“I have two daughters and I can't imagine anything we're missing out on,” she says. “Antigonish is primarily made up of small businesses, unique little shops, a wonderful farmers' market, great recreational facilities and schools — it has so much to offer.”
Macgregor is one of many local residents who stayed close to home because they couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Inverness, Richmond, Guysborough and Antigonish are known for being home to beautiful coastlines, the Bras d'or Lakes and world-class golf courses. But Macgregor says there's so much more happening behind the scenes — and that's where a free community newspaper like The Casket comes into play.
As the executive director of the Antigonish Highland Games Society, Macgregor is thrilled the region has a publication to promote its Scottish cultural event. The annual Highland Games attract a crowd of more than 10,000 from around the globe and act as a homecoming for locals who have moved away. The event boasts of worldclass competitions in piping, drumming, pipe bands, highland dancing and ancient Scottish heavy events, as well as concerts, ceilidhs and clan gatherings.
“We always relied heavily on The Casket and had a partnership with them — which was huge for us, and they'd always done a fantastic job. People went there to find out what was going on locally,” says Macgregor. “I know Antigonish is a bit of an older community, so having a newspaper is hugely beneficial. People looked forward to it weekly.”
Last year, after a few months interruption because of COVID-19, the newspaper returned in the form of The Highland Wire, providing locals with free community news about what's happening in the area, shining a spotlight on the interesting people, places and businesses that have stories to share. The name has reverted back to
The Casket.
Macgregor, also executive director of the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce, says The Casket will be sharing details on everything from upcoming entertainment at
St. Francis Xavier University
to big events like Nova Scotia Summerfest (featuring hometown favourites The Trews) and Kitchenfest! Féis a' Chidsin!
“People prefer local news, no matter what the story is.”
Inez Forbes, client solutions consultant for The Highland Wire and The Casket, says a community newspaper is an important vehicle for delivering local news, sports, community events, advertising and so much more.
“I thoroughly enjoy being a board member of the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce, which appreciates the diversity of other cultures,” says Forbes. “I also take pride in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, the world-renowned
St. Francis Xavier University, our established theatrical group and our annual Antigonish Highland Games, which has been a cultural showcase for more than 150 years.”
The ongoing pandemic is making it more challenging for Nova Scotians to connect with friends and neighbours and Engage Nova Scotia managing director Sara Colburne says these relationships are more important than ever.
“We need to feel connected to people now, especially since we're not able to have as
many of those ‘natural' social connections,” says Colburne.
Engage Nova Scotia's #Frommetoyou campaign has been encouraging folks across the province to share notes with the people in our everyday lives, including strangers. Colburne says there's a special tactile experience that comes with holding something in our hands, whether it's a note or a newspaper.
She also believes in the power of spreading cheerful, positive stories about the people and places in our neighbourhoods, especially during uncertain and upsetting times
like these.
“There's so much good news happening in our local communities, but it doesn't always get the opportunity to be shared,” says Colburne. “We're grateful to share the story of From Me to You in Saltwire community newspapers across the province.”
The Saltwire Network publishes The Casket every Wednesday, and it’s free to enjoy. Want it delivered along with your weekly flyers? Visit saltwire.com/contact-us to sign up for free delivery, and thank you for valuing community news.