Tag Archives: nova scotia

Looking Back at 2011 and Looking Forward to 2012

 

 

Winter has been quite a roller coaster from warm days, lots of rain, clear skies, snow for Christmas and some days feeling like spring or fall and other days real winter. It is a good time for reflection – to look back and enjoy some of the sights and sounds and experiences of the past year – and to plan for the upcoming year.

Winter Wonderland- in our few days of snow that magically arrived just for Christmas

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Favorites from 2011

Some of the many wonderful finds and experiences of the past year

And much more – click on the CATEGORIES to browse through all the postings or the ARCHIVES.

Looking Forward

  • Sydney and industrial Cape Breton – I grew up in Sydney but really haven’t explored it in the past many years.
  • Annapolis apple blossoms – have not been here in the spring and looking forward to seeing this.
  • Cape Breton fall leaves – this is such a spectacular sight on the tartan colored rolling hills of Cape Breton and enjoying the crisp days of autumn
  • Yarmouth and the South Shore – lots to see and do here
  • Fundy tides – one of the wonders of the world (although it didn’t quite make the list)
  • Kedjie park – the many Parks of Nova Scotia with hiking and nature explorations

What are your favorite places in Nova Scotia?  Celebrations? Stores? Places to stay?  Things to do?   I would love to get your suggestions and reasons why – and will take a look at including these on my own explorations in 2012.   Please fill in the COMMENT box below to make your suggestions.

Thank you to all the readers of Out and About Nova Scotia – Enjoy your armchair traveling 🙂

Denise Davies

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Coady International Institute in Antigonish

 

 

Coady International Institute in Antigonish

Coady International Institute in Antigonish

Where would you expect to find over 50 mid-career international professionals from over 20 countries and living and learning in Nova Scotia for five months?   You might be surprised that every year this is the case in the small town of Antigonish – the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia.  The Coady International Institute, based on the campus of Saint Francis Xavier University, has passed the 50 year anniversary in 2009 and has now over 5,500 graduates in over 130 countries from its leadership development programs.

Recently I facilitated a course at Coady for participants to build the Coady participants communications skills in learning to plan, shoot and edit a video with a social message.  Each group planned, shot and edited their films working in project groups and they presented to all the diploma participants and guests.

Group work - Video

Group work - Video

The learning methodologies at Coady are interactive and build on the experiences and participation of the group.  Each learning experience is unique since the background and wealth of knowledge is amazing and the cross fertilization of ideas is sparked by the participants engaging on a variety of development topics.

Coady International Institute is based on the principles of the Antigonish Movement was started in the 1920s by Father Moses Coady and Father Jimmy Tompkins to help small, resource-based communities in Nova Scotia improve their economic and social circumstances through credit unions, cooperatives and community development.

The institute is now housed in beautifully renovated historic buildings in the heart of the St FX Campus are a delight to work in with space for group work, multimedia tools, a state of the art library, wired classrooms and built to order for the participatory learning environment.  In addition to its core Diploma in Development Leadership and many certificate level courses, Coady Institute now has instituted the International Centre for Women’s Leadership, supporting women leadership across Canada and around the globe.

Welcoming new participants by the town

You might wonder how people from India, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean all get along in this this small Nova Scotia town.  Comments from the participants at their recent closing banquet included “people are so friendly”,  “we were welcomed with great honour and respect”,  “people on the street greet us”, “it is such a beautiful place” – they are taking back fond memories of their time in Antigonish and many had the opportunity to visit other parts of Nova Scotia including Margaree – the birthplace of Monsignor Coady, Halifax where they visited the provincial legislature, an experience of the first snowfall and playing like kids, the glory of autumn leaves – many happy memories of their personal journey here in beautiful Nova Scotia.

Video of international participants 2011 farewell

 

The next time you are in Antigonish stop and visit the Coady International Institute.  The library and public spaces have interesting history, photos and multimedia presentations to give you more insight into this wonderful international local resource.

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For More Information

 

Country Harbour

 

Click Here to Download Country Harbour article and more information


 

Country Harbour River

When you hear the name Country Harbour in Nova Scotia you might think you are on the coast with fishing boats and the ocean waves.  However in driving from Monastry on highway 316 you see a sign for Country Harbour and then pass signs for Country Harbour Cross Roads, Country Harbour Mines, Middle Country Harbour, Country Harbour Ferry and still are miles from the ocean.

Country Harbour is a 10 mile long deep inlet from the sea on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.  It is not only beautiful but has an interesting past.

SeaWind Landing comfortable accomdations great dining

A great place to stay and use as an exploration point is the Seawind Landing Country Inn in Charlos Cove.  The 20 acre grounds has interesting paths through the forest or along the shore are great for an evening or early morning stroll.  The food is superb, prepared with loving care from local ingredients by the innkeeper.  There is a choice of comfortable rooms near the shore with the sound of the waves – or rooms with a view to the east or west from your 2nd floor porch.

The Seawind Landing Country Inn is a 30 minute drive from Drum Head at the mouth of Isaacs Harbour and  Country Harbour.  Stop along the way at the lovely Tor Bay Provincial Park and enjoy the boardwalk through the trees and over marshes and mosses.   Seabirds nest on offshore islands – great for birdwatchers.  Continue along Hwy 316 to Isaacs Harbour and take the turn off to the Country Harbour Ferry.  This 12 car cable operated ferry takes you across Country Harbour to continue down along the coast through Port Bickerton towards Halifax on Hwy 211. Even if you decide not to take the ferry it is fun to watch it make the crossing.  Signs are posted at the turnoff informing if the ferry is operating or not.

Empire Loyalist Trail

This part of the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia was the closest part of North America for the early ships from Europe. The long protected harbour was a welcome relief from the open sea.  The discovery of gold in the area was another draw to the area. From the 1600s the area was alive with ship building, forestry, small farming, fishing and gold mining.

Country Harbour was also settled by Loyalists from the King’s Carolina Rangers and the South Carolina Royalists who left Florida in October 1783, landed in Halifax and then the settlers went on to Country Harbour.  The United Empire Loyalist 2.2 KM trail has interpretive signs giving the history of the settlers.

Salsman Park Golden Sunrise

Salsman Provincial Park is located on a small peninsula on the east side of Country Harbour near Middle Country Harbour.  From June to September the park offers campers a quiet setting to relax and enjoy the area.  The camp ground is situated on an island connected by a short causeway giving lovely views of the water and hills.  On an early November morning the sunrise over Country Harbour was memorable with its golden glow and reflections in the calm water.

The nearby Loonsong Cottage Retreat offers workshops and retreats for women on a variety of topics.  Check their website for calendar of events.

Country Harbour River offers fishing and exploring.  The rural farms and cottages enjoy spectacular views in fall with the changing leaf colors.

Watch a short video

For more information:

 Click Here to Download Country Harbour article and more information

 

Baird’s Tradesmen Museum

 

On Highway 7 crossing Nova Scotia from Antigonish to the Eastern Shore we decided to stop and have a look at Baird’s Tradesmen Museum.

Wheel Wright Tools

Wheel Wright Tools

What a happy finding.  This place is loaded with history and is a great place for anyone with an interest in craft, industry and how things are made.  The walls and display cases are well organized with tools from the past for trades that we may not even have now – but were mainstays in the turn of the century.  Anyone who works in wood will enjoy seeing how the tools they use today have evolved.  You have to wonder about the minds and ingenuity of the people who designed these implements.

The tools and trades are organized into categories: cobbler, cooper, farrier, blacksmith, woodturner, carpenter/joiner, leatherworker, wheelwright, typesetter, saw filer/fitter, weaving and spinning; also the tools used in farming, fishing, logging, coal mining, automotive, retail and ice industries over the past 150 years.

Kitchen implements

Kitchen implements

Our guide was Sally Baird who was a wonderful tour guide and explained the use of the different tools.  The museum started as a personal collection of Danny Baird who worked with tools himself and started collecting.  The collection grew so large they decided to open to the public.

The place is very large and has an upstairs area with a huge spinning wheel, a floor loom, a couple of printing presses.   The presses and type include the newspaper advertising from the early 1900s and will be valuable to researchers.

Outside there are wood tools and a fire engine.  Danny Baird continues to make wooden barrels and you can see the workings as well as the finished products.   You can easily spend an hour or two learning from these antique tools and machinery from vintage trades.

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More information

12455 Hwy 7, Aspen, NS
Guysborough County

Danny & Sally Baird
Phone: 902-833-2219

The museum is open daily from July 1 – Oct 1.  10AM to 5PM. Or by appointment.  Small admission fee.

Baird’s Trade Museum – Nova Scotia.com including a map on how to get there.

 

Old Barn Gallery and Design

 

 

Old Barn Gallery

Where can you enjoy stepping back into history, see beautiful art, smell the flowers, admire the horses and experience a 166 year old barn transformed into an attractive gallery where you can browse and enjoy a delightful hour or two?

 

Where else but at the Old Barn Gallery and Design at Beaver Dam Farm Resort in Pomquet. The farm is owned by Carol and Arthur Rivoire  who built it up over 30+ years.  The gallery opened in July 2011 with partnership of Ed Mattie.  They realized that their collection of antiques, paintings and arts and crafts would be wonderful to share with a broader audience.  They setup their gallery in the 166 year old barn which gives the perfect ambiance for enjoying a peak into the past as well and enjoying arts from the current artists and crafts people in the area.

Quilts

Such a variety!  Old fashioned quilts – and new quilts with traditional or newly crafted designs. Paintings by owner Arthur Rivoire, local artist and partner Ed Mattie and others, antique dishes, wood carvings from burls with beautiful and exotic shapes and texture, old cradles, sleigh, and other home implements from the early 1900s,  handmade rugs, locally made wool blankets that remind you of your childhood, colorful antique boxes and containers, hand knitted items,  and more.  Carol Rivoire is welcoming and knowledgeable and loves to chat about the collection.

The gallery is surrounded by beautiful flower gardens, trails, horse stables and paddocks.  It is a delight to visit and I plan to go back often to enjoy more of the area.  It is very easy to get to and is only about 15 minutes drive from Antigonish. A great outing.

Photo Gallery

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More Information

Explore Nova Scotia Lakes and Rivers

 

 

Nova Scotia is almost completely surrounded by water – the ocean.  It is said you are never more than 50 miles from the sea. We have beautiful beaches of many types that are great for swimming, exploring tide pools, beach combing, relaxing in the sun or enjoying the view.

But in addition to being surrounded by water – Nova Scotia has rich inland water country with lakes, rivers and streams dotted over the countryside.  On a recent drive across Nova Scotia from Antigonish along Route 7 and Highway 316 it was a delight to see and stop at just a few of these. The drive winds through rolling hills and farmland and wooded areas.  Then suddenly you are driving along lake waterfront and along winding rivers.

Fisherman at Country Harbour River

Fisherman at Country Harbour River

Along the drive at Country Harbor fishermen cast into the calm waters.  Reflections of the shoreline added to the beauty of the scene. The rivers and lakes of Nova Scotia are stocked with salmon and trout.  Take a side trip and visit the Fraser’s Mills Fish Hatchery to learn more about the process and tour the visitor information center.

 

Golden Gaspereaux Lake

Golden Gaspereaux Lake

In the evening the waters of Gaspereaux Lake were a golden shield reflecting the sunset.  Water birds swam along and flew overhead.

Weather you are driving, walking or cycling the views are splendid.  Or carry your canoe or kayak with you for a peaceful explore of the many inland waters.  Get your fishing license and join the thousands of NS sport fishermen trying their hand at landing trout or salmon.

Some scenes from the drive
(click the arrows to browse through the slideshow)

 

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More Information to Explore

Spring in Nova Scotia

It has been many years since I experienced spring in Nova Scotia. What an amazing season of the year.  Buds and blossoms appear and unfold into masses of flowers and leaves — all in an amazingly short time.   Even with cloudy days – it just seemed to take a few hours of sun to have things burst into color.

Each tree had its own shape of bud and unfurling leave patterns.  A joy to watch and almost a magical process since each type of tree seems to be on the same schedule.  Suddenly overnight an entire area burst into flower.

Leaf buds grew and the tiny leaves would appear and come out crisp and shiny in shades of green and reds.  The tiny leaves grow amazingly fast and within days the trees are sporting a lush green canopy.  What an amazing process to go from the sculptured bare branches to the many greens now carpeting the countryside.

The Horse Chestnut trees were particularly amazing.  The buds had a very sculptured look and each day you could watch them grow till they finally burst into the unfurling leaves and the pod with the flower.  The flowers grow to an amazing 10 or more inches long made from tiny white and pink flowers.

 

Along with the colors of course are the bird songs as the birds return from their wintering grounds and feast on the buds and bugs.   The rushing streams and rivers add to the sounds of spring and invite walks and to explore and enjoy being out in nature.

And of course the apple blossoms with their delicate shades of pinks, reds and whites.

See the new Facebook page for Out and About Nova Scotia

The videos on this page are posted on the Facebook page. Please let me know if you have any problem viewing them from that location.

Art Walk Antigonish

 

 

For a small town, Antigonish has a lot going on in the arts.  Enjoy a walk through town sampling exhibits and art.  The culture of creative people and the support and interest of the community makes this a “happening” place in the arts.

You can do this walk over a day – or spread out your visits.  Park your car and enjoy the spring weather and stroll.  This walk goes from the West end of Main Street (the Post Office end) ending at the East end where Main Street is getting a new bridge.   This walk on Main Street of less than 1 kilometer – plus one side trip to campus will impress you with the variety and creativity of the community.  The current exhibitions listed are for May, 2011.  Check the location websites or just drop in for changes.

ASAP Gallery Opening

ASAP Gallery Opening

ASAP:  All of Us Society for Art Presentation – A small new gallery space currently exhibiting paintings, photography and drawings from 5 art students of St FX – Kara Grant, Steve Scannell, Kevin MacIssac, Travis Myette, and TJ Ediger.  I enjoyed the recent gallery opening and getting to meet the next generation artists.  This place is at the back of the white building between the Post Office and Shoppers.   The summer hours are not posted yet – just see if the door is open and go down the stairs.  Kara Grant will be artist in residence till August.  The Studio, 319 Main St.

Cross the street to the Tall and Small

Tall and Small Cafe

Tall and Small Cafe

The Tall and Small Cafe – This popular café currently displays art from John Watt.  Grab a coffee or a delicious blueberry spritzer.   Hearty vegetarian sandwiches and home made soups are on daily specials.   Art exhibition in June by artists Vicki MacLean and Rudolph Hennninger.  342 Main St.

 

Almost next door

The Made In Nova Scotia Store

The Made In Nova Scotia Store Suzanne Craig Bio Prints

The Made in Nova Scotia Store – Selection of framed or matted photographs, photo gift cards and bio art prints.  All items in the store are from local artists and artisans.   www.themadeinnovacotiastore.com 324 Main Street

Cross the street

People’s Place Library – The opening is scheduled for May 24.  Art is an important and integral part of the new library complex.  Fourteen public art pieces will be permanently located in both the interior and exterior spaces of the new library. These include paintings, murals, textiles, sculptures, and more by local artists and artisans. In addition space for changing exhibits are featured in the foyer.  Artists and Artisans selected for the People’s Place Project 283 Main St. www.peoplesplace.ca See Article in The Casket on opening

On the corner of Main and College Street

Bergengren - Frieze by Fenn Martin

Bergengren - Frieze by Fenn Martin

Bergengren Credit Union –   Frieze by Fenn Martin “The Gift”  Read the story of the work which celebrates the journey of the Bergengren through 75 years.  257 Main St.

 

 

Just off Main Street  on College Street across from the old Town Hall

Alcove Restaurant

Alcove Restaurant - Julia Redgrave Exhibit

Alcove Restaurant – The current art exhibit is works by Julia Redgraves.  Enjoy an international quality lunch or dinner in a cozy atmosphere www.alcovebistro.ca 76 College Street

 

 

Continue on Main Street

Down to Earth Art Gallery and Fine Framing – Visit the gallery of J. Franklin Wright, A native of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia with beautiful marine paintings and limited edition prints.  Art by Maureen St. Clair, Alan Syliboy, April Burns, prints and photographs by local artists and photographers. http://www.downtoearth.ca 240 Main St.

Lyghtesome Gallery

Lyghtesome Gallery – This gallery has been a mainstay of culture in Antigonish since 1975. Promoting  artists from Antigonish and across the Atlantic region.  The May feature is the “Retrospective”  exhibit of Julia Redgraves coinciding with the St. F.X. University Gallery exhibition.   The gallery has a fine selection of original paintings, sculpture, prints, cards and works of art. www.lyghtesome.ns.ca 166 Main St.

Continue to the East end of Main Street, pass Columbus Field, where the yearly Highland Games are held in July.  On the corner of St. Andrew’s Street.

Prissy Pig - Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

Prissy Pig - Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

Prissy Pig Café and Deli – Antigonish Photographers Exhibit till June 30. Photographs in wide variety of styles and themes on exhibit by:  Jeffrey Parker, Peter Jowett, Betty Cameron, Stan Mizgala, Danny Polson, Jennifer Polson, Anne Louise MacDonald, F.X MacDonald, Bernice MacDonald and Denise Davies.  Have lunch or a brunch from this great local food restaurant.  Antigonish Photographers Exhibit

Side trip to the St FX Campus.  Walk or drive up College Street from Main Street, turn right on St. Ninian’s Street and turn left up Notre Dame – just before the St. Ninian’s Cathedral.  Continue up over the top of the hill to the Bloomfield Centre the last building on your right. Student Union Building.

St FX Art Gallery - Julia Redgrave

St FX Art Gallery - Julia Redgrave

St FX Gallery – The current exhibit is by Julia Redgrave “Life at the Edge” – a series of eighteen large paintings moving through the seasons and each featuring a letter and theme of Life on the Edge. The colours and style are gripping and there is also on display smaller print reproductions.

Upcoming Art Events 2011

Antigonish Culture Alive newsletter – For artists and those interested in the arts this is a “must have” e-newsletter and quarterly print newsletter.  Whether you are local or visiting –  sign up to get the newsletter for a nominal fee to find out upcoming events to help you plan your calendar.  http://www.antigonishculturealive.ca/

X Ring Featured at Cameron’s Jewellery

 

 

Do You Have an X Ring?  Chances are you have been into Cameron’s Jewellery on Main Street, Antigonish.

Camerons_Jewellery_X_Feature

The "X" featured in Floor Inlay and Chandelier

Cameron’s on Main St. Antigonish has undergone a transformation and their new look is bright and inviting.  With the interior design of Andrew Murray of Antigonish the store has a new look that celebrates the traditions of the past but adds the sparkle and modern décor of the present.

The center piece that features its “X” connection is a large black marble “X” inlay in the center of the floor area with an inlay of “1922” when the store was first opened.   Above it is a chandelier with the “X” and crystal pendants.

The X Ring dates back to 1942.  Working with the engineering class of St. Francis Xavier University, Cameron’s Jewellery designed the present X-Rings, a gold ring featuring a black enamel X within a raised gold square, with the date of graduation flanking the X on its shoulders.

The wooden oak cabinets running along the wall are the original oak cabinets with

Cameron's 90 Year Old Oak Wood Cabinets

Cameron's 90 Year Old Oak Wood Cabinets

design that highlights the oak grain.  The cabinets are 90 years old and have been refurbished by CACL to bring out the beauty of the wood.

The large fireplace on the opposing wall gives a comfortable feel to the shopping experience and highlights art work on the feature wall.   According to Donna MacPherson, the store manager “We had incredible craftsmen for the stonework, woodwork, electrical and fittings” in making over the store look.  On our buying trip we looked for new items that were not currently available in Antigonish.

Cameron’s is a great place to shop for gifts, home decorating items, dishes and jewellery.  The tasteful selection of items and the welcoming staff make this a great Main Street destination.

Browse the slide show using the arrow keys and click on the “Caption” button on the right to view the captions.

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In the early evening the lighting on the displays adds a sparkle to Main Street.  Be sure to stop in for a visit to see this new gem on Main Street.

Community Theatre Is Alive and Well

Last Sunday (April 17, 2011)  I saw the Sunday matinee at the Pond Playhouse in Halifax of “An Enemy of the People” – by Henrik Ibsen. Adapted by Arthur Miller. Although the play was written in 1882 the plot is contemporary today involved with issues of science, the environment, the role of the press and politicians and how greed and corruption and self interest wage war with truth that may be uncomfortable or inconvenient.

The excellent cast, staging and production were very professional and engaging in every aspect. Directed by Gisela O’Brien and produced by Bill VanGorder.

This YouTube video gives an insight into the characters and plot and the quality of the production.

 

The play runs to April 30 2011.  Check below for links to dates and tickets.

Theatre Arts Guild TAG

Theatre Arts Guild TAG

Having seen the play I was interested to find out that The Theatre Arts Guild (TAG) in Halifax, was established 1931 and is celebrating 80 years of continuous Community Theatre. It is Canada’s oldest continually operating community theatre.

 

TAG, is a great example of community theatre in Nova Scotia.   It is a completely volunteer run organization and has 300+ members who manage and participate in adding this rich component to the cultural life.

The Pond Playhouse which hosts TAG has undergone building developments

Pond Playhouse TAG

Pond Playhouse TAG

and changes – all through the efforts of its volunteers.   Each year some new aspect is taken on as a project.  For example:

  • The new upstairs rehearsal hall above the foyer allows for rehearsing a 2nd play while one is in production.  It gives space for some changing and costume storage during a play.
  • The new technical and sound room is upgraded with state of the art computerized sound and lighting management
  • The new Foyer and reception area gives cast and audience a place to mingle and chat after performances.   The mosaic plaque thanks the many sponsors who have supported TAG financially
  • The playhouse now seats 95 in comfortable raised seats having an excellent view and hearing from any spot in the house.
TAG

TAG

Location:   Pond Playhouse, 6 Parkhill Road, Halifax, NS.

TAG ticket prices $16 Non members. $13 members / Seniors / Students. Available at Atlantic Superstore or by phone 902-451-1221 or online at www.ticketsatlantic.com

Upcoming at TAG 2011 Spring season

  • Laundry and Bourbon / Lone Star
  • 80 Years of Musicals

Community Theatre – Halifax area

  • Dartmouth Players
  • Theatre Arts Guild
  • Bedford Players
  • Quick as a Wink Theatre Society

Theatre Nova Scotia

Theatre Nova Scotia promotes the interest of theatre province wide  www.theatrens.ca

Whether you are living in Nova Scotia or traveling – check out the calendar and locations to find plays that you will enjoy.  If you are living near a community theatre – consider getting involved. This could be acting on stage, helping out with props and sets, fundraising or the many other areas.  Great way to get involved in the community and have fun.