Funding cuts for New Minas Rec programs? Commission chair says no

BY BRENT FOX

The Advertiser

NovaNewsNow.com

New Minas’s popular recreation programs – for those from five to 85 – are safe from cuts.

At its July 23 annual general meeting, the New Minas village commission reiterated its support of the recreation programs and recreation director Vince Forrestall.

The matter arose after residents and volunteers Stephen Bishop and Dave Harris noted rumours circulating that programs were in jeopardy, potentially affecting Forrestall’s position. They noted the director’s unique ability to mobilize volunteers to help with the various programs and his positive attitude in moving things ahead.

“Some people are irreplaceable in getting things done,” Bishop said.

Forrestall is credited with establishing and maintaining the popular programs, from sports clinics and camps to business decorating competitions to seniors’ bus trips and memory-lane events.

Commission Chairman Dave Chaulk said, “we’re not looking to cut programs. We want to improve programs. We’re all very proud of the recreation programs we have. The growth over the last two years has been tremendous.”

He pointed out that the village has come through a rough period in recent years. “We thought it was over. Now this comes up.”

The chairman noted that the recreation department would benefit from an additional $30,000 in its budget this year.

The 2008/09 budget will be $247,950, up from the budget $213,639 the previous fiscal year, though the actual expenditures came in at $267,285 due to unexpected expenses.

Vice Chairman Dale Pineo said, “we’re not planning to delete one event.”