Building community—one meal at a time

Our sense of belonging and security is intrinsically linked with the concept of community. Within that context, a specific geographic entity invariably is the focal point.

My Dad grew up in McAdam, a railway town. Everything was connected to the CPR. My Mom grew up in an agricultural area. Again, everything was cantered on the industry.

The county fairs, the collaborative barn raisings, hay harvests, and even the one church building that housed multiple dominations all centered around the cultivation of the land.

Significant blocks of time were devoted to getting to know your neighbours. In good times and bad, commonality was integral to survival.

In recent times with advent of electronic media and Internet technology, many fear for the loss of this sense of community that formed the cultural fabric of rural Canada. Gone are the days when one little school, one church, one industry or one association was a unifying focal point. The traditional pillars have been eroded.

Yet on the Digby Neck, a core of individuals is making an effort to build an identity associated with that tiny jut of land. The strategy is simple. They are attempting to get people who reside between Culloden and East Ferry to gather monthly for a potluck supper. They want to consume expertly prepared food, enjoy some local entertainment and relax in the company of their neighbours.

There are no agendas, no causes and no speeches—just an opportunity to retreat into a world reminiscent of years gone by when neighbours actually knew who lived next door.

In September 2006, Warden Jim Thurber and municipal councilor Linda Gregory held a town hall meeting in Rossway. Several of the attendees felt a need to build a ‘Neck community'.

Danny Mills, a priest who has retired to Digby Neck, reminded those present that in his extensive experience, gatherings that included food were very effective. A plan was put in place to have regular community gatherings at many locations along the Neck.

Judith Peach took on the onerous task of identifying all the groups, business and ongoing activities on the Neck. If it happens, if it is produced or if it exists on the Neck then it is recorded on the placemat she designed and produces for these events.

The inaugural supper in October was held in Rossway, followed by a second in November in Digby Neck School. The next supper is today, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. in Rossway Baptist Church.

Organizers have been able to entice Lionel Taylor to provide entertainment. I also understand that Evelyn Hayden will be joining him in a few uplifting ballads. As always, the food will be plentiful, the laughter contagious and the companionship will be evident. If you live on the Neck, perhaps this is an opportunity to gather with your neighbours in the spirit of community to escape ‘the winter dull’. Organizers welcome all comers!

kristy@ns.sympatico.ca