New improvement society launches in West Pubnico

West Side Improvement Society still accepting members

Volunteers stand behind an improvement project they worked on at an intersection on the road to Le Village historique Acadien.

Beautification in West Pubnico is underway thanks to the formation of the West Side Improvement Society.

The fundraising organization operates similar to the 100 + Women Who Care in Yarmouth County, and the 100 Guys Who Share Yarmouth County.

Spokesman Darryl LeBlanc says the idea for the society evolved between Municipality of Argyle Coun. Glenn Digdon and Sherman d’Entremont, who is the now president of the society.

“Our goal is to get up to 100 individuals, families or companies in the area, each committing $150 twice a year,” he says.

There are already close to 60 members registered. Society members will review projects nomin- ated for improvements in the West Pubnico area (which includes all of West Pubnico up to the Green Grove Road) and vote on which to pursue.

Money raised will be used to fund the projects.

The first meeting was held in June at the Royal Canadian Legion in West Pubnico, with three projects presented. Two of the projects were approved and are now being completed.

A privately-owned overgrown hillside along Rte#335, known locally as La Butte a Gracie, was cleared with owner’s permission, and hosta, lupins and other flowers were planted. More plants are being added.

Also, the centre of two triangular intersections off the main road leading to Le Village historique Acadien have been cleared of overgrown vegetation and planted with flowers.

“It’s pretty exciting and all the work is being done by volunteers. If we do have to hire people for some of the projects we’ll have the funds to do that,” says LeBlanc.

Potential projects can range from clearing and planting an area for beautification to installing solar lights along a sidewalk or benches along a walking trail.

“It’s up to the members who join,” said LeBlanc.

The next meeting will be held on Sept. 13 at the West Pubnico Royal Canadian Legion.

The first meeting of 2019 will be in April.

“The idea is to get these projects done prior to winter and summer,” LeBlanc says.

Visit the West Side Improvement Society Facebook Page

https://tinyurl.com/y93a9drc Contact Darryl LeBlanc at the West Pubnico Credit Union 902-740-3261

As the country recently celebrated Canada Day, the Digby RCMP is pleased to introduce a new member to its team with what it calls a truly Canadian story.

Const. Frederick Mubiru arrived in Canada more than 10 years ago as a refugee from Uganda. He settled in Ottawa with the dream of becoming a police officer.

The RCMP says knowing he would have to work hard to turn his dream into a reality, he returned to school and got involved in his local church where he worked as an associate pastor. There, he met new friends, a mentor and eventually, his wife.

According to an RCMP media release, he also volunteered with organizations that support youth and immigrants and began applying to law enforcement programs.

His hard work paid off and he was accepted into RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan and went on to graduate at the top of his class. He was thrilled to hear his first posting would be to Nova Scotia, a short distance away from his good friend from church, an RCMP officer also living in Nova Scotia. “I believed that if I worked hard and kept a positive attitude, positive things would happen,” says Const. Mubiru. “I kept moving forward and now I’m working in my dream career.” Mubiru worked his first shift in Digby on April 20. “We’re very happy to have Const. Mubiru on the team,” says S/Sgt. Dave Chubbs of the Digby RCMP. “He brings a unique perspective and enthusiasm for helping people which makes him a valuable member of the RCMP team and community.”