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Thought I’d comment on the teachers strike here in Nova Scotia, and how it is that we the citizens have been told very little.
When you look into the Department of Education and see the huge budget to run our schools, and hear the problems from those who work in the system, no wonder the teachers are going on strike.
I think the union and the government could do a better job informing the people of the problems, but let’s not forget this is something that previous governments knew was coming, and chose to do nothing about it. As usual we get to the place of no money available, yet studies have been done and paid for years.
Nova Scotians are tired of over spending by governments and putting the problem back on the workers. I support the teachers. We need good teachers, and have good teachers, so we the people want good teachers.
Tell Premier Stephen McNeil, and Education Minister Karen Casey to honour the agreement with the union, and ask all the previous premiers and ministers why they did nothing to prevent a strike.
As far as pension plans are concerned, the present government says a member only needs to work two years to be eligible, not the 25 or 30 years a teacher puts in.
The tree lighting ceremonies took place at the Berwick Lions Hall on Nov. 23. There was free soup and chili compliments of the Town of Berwick and the Berwick Lions’ Club. Musical entertainment was by Ryan Dillman & Friends.
In addition, there were colouring pages and crafts for the children. Mayor Don Clark welcomed everyone and thanked those people who did all the work – especially Carol Boylan-Hartling.
The countdown was at 6 p.m. for the tree light up.
Many people enjoyed the soup and chili, but; unfortunately for me, I was not one of them. There was a lovely piece on St. Mary’s Church in Auburn on CTV so I stayed home to see that. And it was worth it.
The Christmas parade then took place on Nov. 26. It started at the GVM at 6:30 p.m. and worked its way to the legion. We were near the first of the route and it lasted about 20 minutes. The floats were beautiful and the walkers enthusiastic and yes, I did enjoy those candy canes. And I saw Mr. And Mrs. Claus and they saw me! Santa, did you see how good I was this year?
Many other things took place such as the Christmas shopping party at Wilsons that lasted two days, as well as a great deal at Frenchies. The town seemed busy indeed.
I also recently took in The Brenman Town Musicians that took place at the Berwick and District fire hall. The show was marionettes presented by a couple who have travelled to many parts of the world with their show. The children in the audience were spellbound. This was sponsored by Meadowbrook Meat Market and the Berwick Baptist Church. A big thanks to Margie Lamb for co-ordinating this and being a hostess to the presenters.
There were five tables of 45s in play at the South Berwick Community Centre on Nov. 29. Prizewinners were first, Shirley Rogers; second, Gertie Smith; third, Rupert Reeves; fourth, Sharon Kilcup; 50/50, Sharon Kilcup and the door prize was won by Shirley Rogers. There are two more card parties before Christmas. One took place on Dec. 6 and the other is coming up on Dec. 13.
Dec. 16 at the Berwick Library from 10 to 11:30 a.m. is Coffee & Conversation. Jason Schofield of Gekkoech will get the conversation started. Sample some baked goods and remember The 12 Days of Cookies is here!