Improving accessibility improves quality of life
St. Thomas Church Sisters Guild upgrading kitchen thanks to provincial grant
The province has invested more than $430,000 into various community groups and municipalities that are undertaking capital improvements to improve accessibility.
Municipal Affairs Minister Chuck Porter, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine, announced in December that 58 community projects will receive $434,094 as a part of the Community ACCESSAbility Grant Program.
“These facilities are often the centre of our communities,” said Porter, who serves as the MLA for Hants West, in a press release. “I would like to thank our grant recipients for their leadership in this initiative and for helping move our province to being accessible by 2030.”
Program funding is available to non-profit community groups and municipalities to remove barriers for persons with disabilities in public buildings and spaces.
The St. Thomas Church Sisters Guild of Three Mile Plains, Hants County, was successful in receiving a $6,663 grant to make their kitchen more accessible.
“Quality of life in small town and rural Nova Scotia depends on local facilities and local service organizations,” said Archdeacon Tom Henderson, of the St. Thomas Anglican Church, in a press release.
“Improvements to access are necessary to make facilities userfriendly to aging and physically challenged individuals. We are grateful to (the) government for helping us better reach the needs of our local community.”
The Community ACCESSAbility Grant Program supports government’s efforts to achieve an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030. The government recently released the province’s strategy
Canning library is open Tuesdays 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Thursdays 2-5 p.m., Fridays 5-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The writing group is held the second and fourth Mondays in January from 2-4 p.m. Volunteers wanted. Info: 902-582-7699.
Glooscap Elementary School skating will be held on Jan. 10, 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 14, 21. Volunteers wanted to help tie skates and help on the ice. Helmets are required. A home and school meeting will
for accessibility, Access by Design 2030, which identifies priorities
be Jan. 28, 6:45 p.m. All welcome. Childcare provided.
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts PD day camps, for children ages five to 12 years, will be Feb. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be multi-age art activities in a studio setting, explore the landscape and enjoy games while making new friends. Registration includes materials and lunch. Info: 902-582-3842.
Ross Creek winter adventure weekend learning survival skills, intended for ages nine to 14 years, is Feb. 16-18. The focus is on fire-making, shelter-building, and winter navigation. This is challenging and fun. Instructor is Christina Daffre. Fee includes food and accommodations. Register: www.artscentre. ca/winter.
There will be a Two Planks and Phantom fundraising gala and auction at Ross Creek Centre on March 30, from 6-11 p.m. There will be speciality cocktails and wine by Planters Ridge, displayed auction items and games. Grand banquet by Cocoa Pesto Catering chef. Proceeds are for 2019 theatre magic. Tickets are available. Info: www. artcentre.ca/fundraiser.
Wanted: leadership candidates to represent the Village of Canning during the Apple Blossom Festival and throughout 2019. Must be a high school grad or equivalent and be between the ages of 18-23. Deadline is Feb. 22, 5 p.m. Contact Shelley Hiltz for details, rules, and schedules at 902-670-1325 or dshiltz@xcountry.tv.
to achieve the goals set out in the Accessibility Act.
The Port Williams and District Lions Club delivered Christmas Food Boxes containing the fixings for a breakfast and dinner on Dec. 22 to 31 local individuals and
“Community and municipal buildings serve as gathering families.
The money for this project, which has been running for 25plus years, is raised by selling raffle tickets. Thanks to those who bought tickets, to Annapolis Valley Air Management for use of a truck and the local businesses and individuals who provided the prizes. This year’s lucky winners were:
-First prize, $400 gift certificate for furnace oil donated by West Nova Fuels: Betty Morgan of Port Williams.
-Second prize, $150 gift certificate donated by Under The Hood Auto Service: Bud Bennett of Bennetts Bay.
-Third price, $100 gift certificate donated by Kings Arms Pub: Pam Purdy of Port Williams.
-Fourth prize, painting donated by local artist: Jeff Goode of Kentville.
The Loyal Workers of Port Williams United Baptist Church’s places and host countless community events every year,” said Gerry Post, executive director, Accessibility Directorate, Government of Nova Scotia. “By removing barriers to accessibility, persons with disabilities will have the same opportunities to participate and contribute to the communities they live in.”
The program is still open to applications. Interested community groups and municipalities are encouraged to apply. For info: https://cch.novascotia.ca/ investing-our-future/community-funding-and-awards/community-access-ability-program “First of 2019” hamburger soup/ corn chowder luncheon will take place on Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $8 per person and, as always, there will be a great array of delicious desserts, fresh breads, tea and coffee. (Snow date: Jan. 17).
The next Port Williams Recreation Trivia Night will take place Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. Organized by recreation director Laura Jacobs and emceed by quizmaster Tyson Rovers, the themes and questions are top notch and entertaining. The money raised from January’s Trivia Night supports the Valley Search and Rescue Association. Past recipients have included the Port Williams Basketball Association and the outdoor rink (upgrades to safety signage and equipment). Admission is $10 per person. There is a bowl of snacks at each table and the fire department provides bar service