NSCC students help out in Birchtown

By Greg Bennett

The Coast Guard

NovaNewsNow.com

There were a lot of smiles and at least a little sweat too from students and staff of the Shelburne campus of the Nova Scotia Community College on Wednesday, Oct. 17.

NSCC staff and students took part in the inaugural "Reach Out to Nova Scotia" program and descended on the Black Loyalist Heritage Society and Museum property in Birchtown, to tackle some projects that could use a helping hand.

They painted, trimmed branches on some of the trails; spread gravel and sand on various pathways and replaced damaged signage. They also placed markers on sections of a wooded walking trail and later on, will help with preparation of a pamphlet that describes the significance of these markers, including information on what life was like for the Black Loyalists.

About a year ago, flames from a fire that was deliberately set destroyed a portion of the museum.

The losses included an adjunct building that housed office space, computer files and other important materials.

NSCC College Presdient Joan McArthur-Blair, President, said the day was a way to say thank you to the province for supporting the growth of the college.

From Sydney to Yarmouth, about 10,000 people rolled up their sleeves to volunteer their time, skills, energy and knowledge to support their local communities.

The college president started her day in Birchtown where she helped students and staff repair trails and exhibits for the Black Loyalist Historical Society.

The project also received a visit from Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald who helped place a new sign at the facility.