Canning News

The Churches of Blomidon Country Open House Tour sponsored by the Canning Fieldwood Heritage Society and Interchurch Council was held under favourable skies Sun., Aug. 17 with 13 churches north of the Canard River welcoming visitors with refreshments and historical and spiritual inspiration.

I managed to get to six of the participating churches; each was brimming with its own unique personality. I was met warmly by many interesting people and had the opportunity to view some amazing artifacts and special features each church had to offer.

Points of interested included guides in period costumes; an evening coat from 1868 belonging to Mary Swetnam’s great-grandmother; ornate marble-topped kerosene lampstands; antique chandeliers and lamps; an 1867 Warren pipe organ that towered high above the congregation; original blueprints, minute books and hymnals from the 1800s; history displays and photographs; religious statues; balconies; colourful wall murals; memorial stained glass windows; unique sloped floors and raised stage areas; original pews and pulpits; grand pianos and organs; and even an approximate 15-by-20-foot wall that descended straight down into the basement that was raised and lowered with the aid of pulleys in a nearby closet.

Guests gathered with their lawn chairs at the home of Kings North MLA Mark Parent and Margie in Pereau Sun., Aug. 17 for their annual pork BBQ. The weather was perfect for the special outdoor occasion. All enjoyed the wonderful musical entertainment, great company and delicious, picnic-style meal.

Northeast Kings Education Centre: Student Services will be open for new registrations and course changes during the week of Aug. 25-29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. First come, first serve. First day of school is Wed., Sept 3.

Glooscap Elementary School: First day of school is Thurs., Sept. 4.

Apple Tree Landing Children Centre on 1063 J. Jordan Road next to the Canning Arena will accept registrations for fall programs from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27 with the objective to enrich the early learning and educational experience. Contact 582-3086 for further details.

Canning walkers: Walking in a group is a great way to stay motivated, keep active, have fun and meet new people. There’s no experience necessary to join.

Meet at the Glooscap and District Arena on J. Jordan Road in Canning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. Contact Susan Wheaton, Walkabout Leader, at 582-1529 or visit the website www.walkaboutns.ca

The Walkers group is supported by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Canning library summer student Candice Davison had the ultimate summer job as library assistant and children’s program planner.

“What an incredible summer I have had at the Canning Library,” Davision said. “My love for reading has grown as well as my independence. I enjoyed planning the children’s programs/events and creating readings and crafts that spiked the children’s interest. We had fun together and I felt like a kid again.

“I created programs such as Learn to Read (for all ages), READ-ICULOUS Sizzling Summer Reading Program (for children ages 3-18), an adult book club, and six weeks of readings and arts and crafts. I mainly targeted children for the programs as my passion is working with children and I hope to become an elementary school teacher in the future.

“I did create adult programs and had authors come to share their readings and experiences. What a blast! I only wish we would have had a better turnout. We even spread the word to Facebook and created a Canning Library group increasing public awareness.

“All summer, I had a giant book sale. All the money and books the library receives are through donation. I managed to sell a fair amount of books and increase the library’s funds.

“I had the opportunity to meet many new people. I am grateful I had the opportunity to work in this nice village, in an old library, with thousands of books and so much history. You only live once so enjoy every moment: read, learn, change lives and smile!”

Ross Creek Centre for the Arts: Order your tickets today for the end of summer family hootenanny to take place the evening of Aug. 29. A chicken BBQ supper with vegetarian options will be followed by a barn dance, all for only $15.

Visit www.artscentre.ca for further information or phone 582-3842.

Need blood work? Have your blood drawn by medical laboratory technologist Elaine Eye. For $10, Eye will come to your home weekday mornings from 7-10 a.m. Call for an appointment 582-7119.

A blood collection clinic takes place at the Canning Pharmasave Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-10 a.m. at a cost of $6. A free monthly cholesterol and blood pressure clinic is also available. Seniors’ day is the last Thursday of the month.

The Cornwallis District New Horizon Seniors’ Group will meet each Wednesday from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Lions Hall in Canning beginning Sept. 10. Seniors age 55 and up will enjoy an afternoon with a brief business meeting, a lunch and then games like cards, crib and crokinole and an occasional day trip. New members welcome. Annual fee is only $5. Contact Rose at 582-7346 for details.

Classic Rock Dance: dance to your favourite rock songs with Park Street on the evening of Sat., Sept. 13 at the Canning Lions Hall. Door prizes. Admission is $10 or $15 per couple. Proceeds to go to the Atlantic Chapter for Breast Cancer.

Contact Charlene at 678-3841 for advance tickets or purchase them at the door. You must be 19-and-over to attend.

If you have something of interest that you would like to see in this column, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number above.