Cheers &Jeers

CHEERS: A MEANINGFUL CHRISTENING

The christening of the new Coast Guard vessel Chedabucto Bay in Clark's Harbour was an event that spoke to the importance and the emotion surrounding these rescue vessels.

The ties Clark's Harbour has as a small lifeboat station dates back to the 1960s when fishermen from Shelburne to Yarmouth lobbied the federal government for a Coast Guard boat to be stationed here following a Shelburne County fishing tragedy at sea that claimed the lives of two fishermen.

Too dangerous for local fishermen to go in search of the vessel because of the weather that also kept helicopters grounded, the closest Coast Guard vessel was in Saint John,

N.B.

In the decades since a station has been located here, it's been comforting to fishermen, families and the community to know help is close by.

Also, a beautiful tradition when it comes to christening a new vessel is each vessel has a sponsor – in this case it is Margot Armstrong, the mother of the late Joel Armstrong, who was an engineer at the Clark's Harbour station. Joel died from cancer in November

2021.

“I can honestly tell you this is the greatest honour of my life,” the mother said during the christening, sharing how much the Coast Guard and the lifeboat station meant to her son, and to her as well.

JEERS: SLOW DOWN

Once again judging by RCMP statistics, some people are in way too much of a hurry to get from Point A to Point B.

The RCMP released its monthly stats for June outlining stunting charges that were laid. In total, 63 drivers were charged with stunting during the month.

This isn't just a case of motorists speeding. They are speeding excessively, which can put them and others on our roadways in danger should they lose control of their vehicles.

Stunting is defined as any person who operates a motor vehicle on a highway in a race, in a contest, while performing a stunt or on a bet or wager. But it also applies to anyone driving a motor vehicle 50 km/h or more above a posted speed limit.

The RCMP gave examples of drivers who were charged for driving 62, 67, and 69 kilometres over the posted 100 km/h on some Nova Scotia 100-series highways.

And last week another driver was charged with stunting for driving 71 kilometres over the speed limit on Highway 103.

But the one that really jumped out at us was the driver who was traveling 160 km/h in an 80-speed zone. That's double the speed limit. And quite possible going through residential areas.

There is no need.

No one has to get to their destination that badly.

But we all deserve to get to our destinations safely.

CHEERS: COOL CARS

One thing that we see a lot of during the summer months in the tricounty region are car shows.

Just this past weekend the largest one in the region, put on annually by the Roaring 20's Antique Auto Club, took place in downtown Yarmouth on Saturday as part of Seafest. It was a rain or shine event, and it got both rain and sun.

The night before saw the also popular Classic Car Cruise take place through downtown Yarmouth.

And cars shows have been held, and will be held, in Shelburne and Digby counties.

There's something about classic and antique cars that captivates our interest. They throw us back to times of nostalgia and bygone eras.

That so many people in our region love, care for and restore these old vehicles is great, indeed.

And that they share their love of these vehicles with the rest of us is much appreciated.

Thanks for taking us along for the ride.