By John English

Intentionality is an important guiding principle in my life. It is a certain way of living forward with optimism, and with faith in my values. It is not harsh or demanding. It is not oppressive or judgemental. It is about living consciously, being aware of how I operate in my everyday life, and choosing (intending) to live that life with awareness and integrity.

By Wyn Jones

In March of 2018, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Eastern Shore Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA), commissioning a review to encompass all the cultural, economic and commercial activities on the Eastern Shore. A full study was duly conducted and its findings published in July 2019.

By Jennifer Deacon

Clara Clayton-Gough is an East Preston resident, a mother of seven and a seventh-generation African Nova Scotian basket weaver.

Another lobster season is done. I think for most it was a good season and the boys could use it. It's great to see the young men investing in their future. Most people I don't think understand the cost and resources that go into fishing. It's like any job – but different. You do it for the money and also because you love it.

By Thomas Scott

The Eastern Shore Community Centre received $12,000, and the Lawrencetown Youth Arena received $8,050 from the Rink Revitalization Fund in January. Eastern Shore Community Centre general manager Dale Stevens said the funding was used to purchase a dehumidifier.

By Deirdre Dwyer

With thanks to the United Way and the Old School Community Gathering Place, I attended a two-day retreat at the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre outside of Truro, Nova Scotia on June 3 and 4th. On the first afternoon, about 20 attendees participated in a smudging ceremony with Gordon Pictou and drumming and chanting with Trevor Gould of Eastern Eagle.

By Thomas Scott

The Sambea National Jumper Festival returned on June 18 for the first time since the pandemic.

By David Shuman

As fires burned and smoke billowed across the province, the tragedy that took Clive and Kim Jones’ home in 2008 came rushing back to them.

Fifteen years after the Porters Lake/Mineville fire, Clive and his wife Kim are offering their support to victims of the wildfires. He says they are now linked by something few can wish to imagine.

By Kelly Corkery

Q: What is Natural Organic Reduction? --Puzzled in Port Dufferin

A: Understandable, Puzzled! Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) is a method of body disposal in which un-embalmed remains undergo a natural decomposition process and are turned into soil. This process is also known as terramation, recomposition, or human composting. I will use these interchangeably in my explanation.

Protecting Our Health Care Workers 

Our health system is under considerable pressure and accessing care can be stressful. Long waits at emergency departments or primary care clinics often result in frustration and unfortunately, some patients become irritable, confrontational and in some cases abusive. Now more than ever, health care workers face difficult working conditions, including violence and threats of violence in the workplace. 

By Thomas Scott

Former Eastern Shore District High (ESDH) student Curtis Pettipas won a silver medal for his skills in electrical installations at the 2022 Skills Canada National Competition in Vancouver at the end of May.

By David Shuman

The East Preston Day Care Centre will add eight new infant spaces at its existing site and 60 new infant and toddler spaces at its new location at the Akoma Family Centre in Dartmouth.

By Denise Van Wychen

The Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Community Health Board (ESMCHB) is a volunteer board of community members working to improve the health of the community in a variety of ways. We have been working on several mental health and wellness initiatives in the past number of years. We have created brochures and helping trees, supported projects to pilot service programs, hosted events, built partnerships, advocated for services and much more. In the fall of 2021, the Community Health Board began looking for a project that could be implemented during COVID restrictions and would impact several of our priorities including; social isolation, mental wellness, awareness of resources and access to food. The essence of the project was to build a community of people who are supporting other people. We developed the idea and implemented the Giving Soup for the Soul project from December 2021 to June 2022 with the hope that this project would spur a movement of passing on food, awareness of local resources, checking on neighbors, and visiting with people.

By Karen Bradley

The Old School Community Gathering Place has been a gathering place for workshops, concerts, coffee houses, festivals, an art gallery, and meeting space. But thanks to the work of a dedicated staff and many volunteers, the Old School has become home for a surprisingly rich array of programs that address some of our community’s most serious problems. 

By David Shuman

A group of Ecum Secum moms are one step closer to building a new playground with their latest grant.

The not-for-profit Nature Conservancy has purchased 126 acres (51 hectares) of intact forest, freshwater wetlands, lakes and a one-kilometre section of river frontage along the Musquodoboit River. Jane, Ed, and Matthew of the Webber family previously owned part of the land and donated $16,700 for the purchase.

The Sheet Harbour Sexual Health Centre promotes healthy sexuality across the lifespan for all ages and identities. This July, we are collaborating with Eastern Shore Pride and organizing Sheet Harbour’s first Annual Pride Weekend, July 30 & 31st.

By Jennifer Deacon

Christopher Mathers was an avid kite surfer when he moved from Toronto to Halifax fourteen years ago to attend Dalhousie University. He discovered the surfing world in Lawrencetown, and it changed his life. "I was on track to engage in the architecture program,” Mathers said in a recent interview. “I decided that's not for me. I just took my creativity and applied it to my new-found love of surfing."

By David Shuman

Preston MLA Angela Simmonds is in the home stretch of her bid for provincial Liberal Leadership.