Queens County feature on Breakfast Television

Mayor John Leefe was contacted by the program, which is airing a series of specials on Nova Scotia municipalities, to help host two hours of filming in Liverpool on March 19. He said a citizen contacted the producers.

“The biggest challenge I faced is I had to find things that would tie as much as possible into the whole Region, although the filming was done over two hours and only in Liverpool. That’s what set the agenda for me.”

He said this was accomplished by, in part, focusing on exhibitions and interviews with artists from across the Region.

He said Breakfast Television host, Cyril Lunney was sworn in as Deputy Mayor for the day. He added with a laugh. “Doug (Adams) took a breather. He approved.”

Lunney, he said, asked to go to places where lots of people congregate from 10 a.m. to noon. Therefore, he said, he took the television crew to Woodpile Carvings and Café, where Lunney interviewed customers, served tables, viewed art and met with local artisans. For example, Lunney met the “Wizard of Wood,” – Joe Winters – who talked about working with recycled materials to create art and with Woodpile co-owner and wood carver Liz Brown, who gave Lunney a lesson in wood carving.

In addition, Mayor Leefe, said, “Like a good politician, he kissed babies and they didn’t cry. Actually, he only kissed one but he didn’t cry so I guess Lunney has the golden touch.”

Gail Hamlin also dressed Lunney in 18th century clothing. Mayor Leefe did the same.

“Every where we went we were dressed like 18th century people.”

On the subsequent walking tour, they passed by and discussed the Astor Theatre and Sherman Hines Museum of Photography located in the former Liverpool town hall.

Leefe said he brought the crew to the Mersey House to discuss it as another centre of local arts, entertainment and culture. He said he was pleased when co-owner, Heather MacIsaac came out and did this for him.

Although they didn’t have time to go inside places like the Astor and Mersey House, or visit, for example, Lanes Privateer Inn, Mayor Leefe said he believes the Region’s arts and culture prominence was reflected in the filming.

They went to Adja Studio and Gallery, where Lunney, with the help of co-owner, Julie Anne Danylewich made a piece of jewelry for his wife.

“She also showed off works of art produced by local artists. Another reason for focusing on those two businesses is I wanted him to see businesses created by young entrepreneurs. I hoped to create an image, in part, of a community for young people who want to be in business as well as for people who are older.”

He pointed out two young entrepreneurs operate Country Junction as well.

They then went to the Queens County Museum. Mayor Leefe said, “I had to find another place to give us a Queens perspective. I knew at the museum they were putting together a display of the 100th anniversary of The Tent Dwellers and that really is focused on North Queens and our guiding and sports fishing heritage.”

Owen Hamlin, of Privateer Days, then “kindly” joined the tour to discuss Liverpool’s architectural heritage, especially at the end of Main Street, Mayor Leefe said.

They also used the view of Brooklyn across the harbour to discuss Bowater Mersey Paper Co. Ltd. and Queens County Sea Fest, he said.

“What will end up on TV, who knows, but I did my best to put everything in a Region of Queens context and this is coverage that goes right across the Maritimes. Hopefully, we will give viewers a good view of the Region of Queens next week.”