Port Williams news

As I continue to cover the events that occurred in the ‘busyness’ that was May/June, I come to the annual general meeting for the ratepayers and electors of the Village.

This occurred June 4 and opened with the presentation of the Harold B. Legge Volunteer of the Year Award to Dot Farnsworth. Dot was also the Village’s first representative volunteer at the Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony and Luncheon held in Halifax April 14.

She was nominated by the Murdoch C. Smith Memorial Library Association for her many contributions to the village, not only as a member of the Association but as a member of her church, the seniors’ club, as a gardener and a veteran.

A photo of Dot and their write-up are available to view on the village website www.portwilliams.com).

Loretta Kalkman of Ray Bishop and Associates presented the results of the audit. Members of the various community groups and commission committees gave their reports.

We heard from the Hall trustees, Recreation Committee, Port Williams Park, Secondary Planning Strategy, Source Water Protection, Fire Department, Lions Club, Women’s Institute, Library Association, municipal councilor Janet Newton, Public Works Superintendent Stanton Hancock and finished off with the report of the Village Commission Chair Lewis Benedict. These reports are all available to see at the Village Office.

Congratulations to W.I. member Ruth Blenkhorn on her election as National President. Watch for a story in the paper this summer on this auspicious event.

Both Ernie Hovell and Kim Cogswell reoffered and were elected by acclamation to another three-year term. Photos of the other nominees can be seen in the Village Photo Gallery on the village website.

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library's annual Summer Reading Program has begun and this year’s theme is Agent 009! All readers through to age 18 can earn a free FastPass from Summer Reading Partner, Upper Clements Park by completing their reading goal. Other great prizes can be won just by reading and entering the contests!

On Tues., July 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Lockwood Hall of the Baptist Church, there will be a community wedding shower for Sharon Churchill and Steve Roe.

Prescott House Museum is open again for another season and following are some upcoming events. The Far East comes to Prescott House Fri., July 10 with a season-long exhibit.

In 1906, James Walker Allison (“Uncle Walker”), CEO of J.P. Mott and Co. Chocolate and Cocoa Factory, and his wife, Mary Prescott (“Aunt Minnie”) journeyed to Asia, riding camels in Egypt and rickshaws in Japan, stopping to visit the Taj Mahal along the way.

Aunt Minnie collected photos and other treasures that today are part of the Prescott House Collection. This exhibit will highlight the journey of two prominent and privileged Nova Scotians in a time when travel was very difficult.

The museum is also presenting another season of activities for children with the first being A Day in the Life of the Prescott Children Tues., July 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Children ages five and up can experience life as a child in the early 1800s. Milk "Chloe" the cow, make homemade butter and play old-fashioned games. It’s a fun and educational morning for kids. Cost is $6 (snack included).

For more, contact Diana at 542-3984. Rain date is July 8.

As well, every Thursday in July from 10 a.m. to noon, children ages five-and-up can enjoy KidsArt, a creative way to learn through play and take home a work of art. Cost is $6 (snack included).

The Strawberry Social will take place July 12 from 2-4 p.m. Joanne McInnis, harpist, will entertain while you enjoy a delicious treat of homemade strawberry shortcake on the tranquil grounds. The cost is $7 (tour included).

On Sat., July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Port Williams Park Committee will host a barbecue in front of Sobey’s in New Minas. Be sure to come out and support us! Thanks to Sobey’s, Larsen’s and Frito Lay for your donations!

Children aged 3-7 are invited to participate in a summer camp for kids from July 27-31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community Centre.

Come for a week of Group Activities, Arts and Crafts, Sport Activities, singing and a whole lot of fun! The camp will be led by Krystol Bell of Trusted Care Nanny and Sitter services. The cost is $75 per child with all proceeds going toward establishing the Port Williams Community Park. Spots are limited so register by e-mailing Julia.ives@web.de.