Finding contentment on the South Shore
We often hear of young people who leave their South Shore homes to attend college or university, then following graduation decide to find employment in their chosen fields in other provinces.
I enjoy writing about young folks who chose to return home to pursue careers and raise families here. Jill Aucoin, née Thorburne, left Bridgewater to attend university, then after seven years felt an urge to return home.
She was employed by a large telecommunications company for 19 years, first in customer service, then for two years as a linesperson, climbing poles to hook up internet and fibre optic systems.
Ten years ago, Jill, the daughter of respected Town of Bridgewater councillor and former fire chief Wayne Thorburne, met the other significant man in her life, Byron Aucoin, who grew up in Cheticamp, Cape Breton. Married five years, the couple has one daughter, Giana.
Byron earned his Automotive Service Technician Red Seal certification 15 years ago in Bridgewater and is currently the longest-serving technician at the busy Lahave Street Auto Clinic.
Jill injured both her arms, leaving her unable to perform the specific tasks for which she trained.
She told me during a recent interview that she has always enjoyed working, so not being able to contribute to her family’s household finances because of her injury was difficult for her.
A year ago, Jill stumbled upon an opportunity to work from home with little to no investment and she has been doing that ever since. She and Byron got involved with Farmasi, an international multi-level marketing company started by a doctor 70 years ago in Turkey. It’s relatively new to Canada.
Farmasi bills itself as a personal care company producing beauty, household and wellness products, including naturally based, toxin-free makeup, skin care, hair formulas, nutrition and green cleaners. Jill said some of the products help her deal with
the challenges she experiences with her arms.
She said the company and its products interested her because she was quite familiar with direct-selling companies and how they work — and being able to work from home was a bonus.
Byron remarked he and Jill are grateful for the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and run their own business. The income from product sales has helped them deal with the rising cost of living.
Byron said he and Jill donated the first $100 they made to the cystic fibrosis fundraising campaign.
The Aucoins purchased a home in Cherry Hill two years ago and quickly immersed
themselves in community initiatives, including the United Communities Fire Department, where Byron and Jill are trained firefighters and medical first responders. Daughter Giana is a junior firefighter.
Jill said she is not able to do many physical firefighting tasks, but she is finding there are lots of other useful things she can take on to help the fire department. Byron told me he, Jill and Giana are learning new skills and are enjoying getting out to meet new people in their adopted community.
In the recent past, Byron and Jill organized the local Relay for Life, an important fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society and volunteered for the SPCA, a society dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Here’s what I’m thinking. Industrious individuals such as Byron and Jill should be celebrated. Their positive contribution to the local workplace and community is what the South Shore is all about.
FALL RECREATION GUIDE
The seasonal recreation guides published by the towns of Lunenburg and Bridgewater, District of Lunenburg, HB Studios Sports Centre and the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre are impressive.
The guides are chock-full of programs, events, sports and courses tailored to participants of all ages.
Kudos to the mayors and councillors, municipal staff and volunteers for their exemplary efforts. South Shore residents are indeed fortunate to have such quality recreation options available to them.
During these somewhat uncertain economic times, some parents struggle to afford to enrol their children in sports and leisure activities. The PRO Kids, Kidsport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart programs offer financial assistance. Application details can be found in the fall guide.
In addition to the aforementioned five locations, you can also find a digital copy of the 40-page Fall 2022 guide and a list of additional pickup locations at www.connect 2Rec.com.
Regardless of age, stay active to keep your body and mind healthy. Many options are available.