1 PASSAGES THE LONG ISLAND, BRIER ISLAND AND DIGBY NECK NEWS Volume 22, Issue 4 $2.50 April 2020 COVID19 CRISIS
Moments from March Online and in Color April 2020 Mailed under Canada Post Sales Agreement No 40650154
1 PASSAGES PARAMETERS Greetings Passages Readers Old and New,
Effective Jan 1st, 2017 I would like to welcome everyone to The many volunteers who put out PASSAGES each the first ever online and full color month would like to thank you for your support over Passages. For those new to the past year. Passages I thank you for choosing to download and Your continued support helps keep PASSAGES coming browse our pages. Passages is the monthly newspaper out month after month, plus it supports many of the Digby Neck and Islands area for the past 22 years. community activities here on the Islands. Started by Andy Moir of Long Island it has gone through many changes and editors over the years. I took over To Subscribe editing in December 2017 (with the help of Teri Chace in - Electronic Subscription = $25CAD 1 Year the summer) and have greatly enjoyed it! - Mailed CDN Subscription = $50CAD 1 Year - Mailed USA Subscription = $75CAD/$55USD 1 Year For those who wonder about who the editor of their - At the Counter / In Store $2.50CAD reading material is I will give you a brief intro to me. I am Personal or Non-Profit Group Supporter: now Amy Tudor from Brier Island but I was born Amy Caldwell in Digby back in 1978. I spent my childhood in - Birthday / Anniversary $ 25CAD per 1/4 page per Digby, Freeport and Yarmouth before heading to NB issue where I got my BA from Saint Thomas University. I came - Memoriums $ 25CAD per 1/4 page per issue back to the Islands with my husband Jess Tudor in 2012. - 3cm x 6.5cm placement $100CAD per year Since returning to my home community I have worked to Business / Government / For Profit Supporter: give our area an online presences in social media, I have - 5cm x 6.5cm ad placement $125CAD per year taken 1000's of photos that have been shared worldwide and I recently started freelancing with Saltwire media. I To Advertise: work part time in the school, I am a mother of 3 beautiful 1/4 page Advertisement = $25CAD per issue children and a member of many volunteer organizations. I To subscribe, support, or advertise please email: have an extensive background in journalism and I happy [email protected] that my skills could be put to use at Passages. Payment can be made via e-transfer to the email address Passages is volunteer run and has some support from sponsors and advertising but rest assured we are an above or by cheque. Our mailing address is: agenda-free publication. PASSAGES P.O. Box 39 Freeport, NS B0V 1B0 Due to the COVID19 virus spreading across the globe Our Telephone # is 902-839-2675 lives have changed and the ability to print and distribute a Articles and photo submissions should be emailed to: magazine is not functionally possible for us. I was asked [email protected] if we should even bother with Passages this month since Amy Tudor was the editor of this month’s paper. we could not print it. Never did the thought of NOT doing Passages cross my mind. Now more than ever there is a need for local news that is not full of fear. This double Deadline for submissions for the May edition of Passages is full of provincially issued edition is April 25nd. Amy Tudor will information about COVID 19 as well as the regular area be editor for May. news. What I am excited about is the ability to share the moments of our lives during this time of change without I appreciate all the submissions we receive and encourage the restriction of black and white only in print and having everyone to keep sending in your own stories or even story no pages limits. ideas. Passages is our shared history and your story I hope the double edition of Passages will bring you joy contributions are important! as you scroll through the pages. If you like this free edition of Passages please consider supporting us by Sending in items to PASSAGES is easy! You do not purchasing a regular subscription, being a sponsor or an need to send in fancy word documents. Just type it in advertiser. I value feedback and want to hear from you! plain text in an email, and send any pictures as an Please email [email protected] and help me make attachment or in separate emails. I can format as Passages better for you or let me know what you love so needed. You can post it to the Passages Facebook I can keep it up! Group and I can get the information there as well. CANCELLED Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday April 11
We hope that these events will happen but at this point we can not say yet....
Old Home Weekend will run a little differently this year due to Canada Day being on a Wednesday and COVID19 running wild.
This is a tentative schedule of events but has not been finalized:
-Wednesday July 1- Parade- kids day- BBQ, fireworks -Thursday July 2- Prize Bingo -Friday July 3- Washers Tournament -Saturday July 4- lobster supper -Sunday July 5 - Ball Game
Freeport Fire Department Monica Stark has Events CANCELLED worked very hard on a new FCDA website, April 12- which includes a Breakfast new Digby Neck & 8:00am-10:00am Islands Community Calendar - please bookmark it, and let her June 6- Lobster supper and Washer Toss know if there's anything you wish to add! UNDER REVIEW You can reach her on facebook, email her at [email protected] , or phone her at (902)839-2245.
Visit https://freeportcda.ca/ to see what is happening in our area.
The Islands CANCELLED Women’s Institute Annual Community Swap will be postponed until further notice. TITUS, Hazel Mae Elderkin, A. (Glavin) Age 93; Royce age 91 of Westport passed of Little River, away March 2, 2020 at Digby Co. passed Tideview Terrace away March 11, nursing home in Digby. 2020 in the Digby Born May 30th 1926 in General Hospital, Westport, she was the surrounded by his daughter of the late loving family. Born Harley and in Mink Cove, he Susie(Thurston) Glavin. was a son of the She was a devoted wife, late Eustace and mother, grandmother, Bernice (Coffin) great-grandmother and Elderkin. great, great- grandmother. She was a member of the Westport Royce was a Fire hall Aux. and Super Seniors. She enjoyed Deacon for over 50 years and honorable music, going to dances and movies at the hall Deacon of the Little River United Baptist when she was younger. She spent many years Church. He owned and operated Little River feeding the stray cats that could be seen Trading Company, was a Notary Public, and gathering on her doorstep. She enjoyed reading was an avid gardener. her newspapers, magazines, doing puzzles and sitting by the window watching the comings and Surviving are his daughter Melanie (Junior), goings of the island. She is survived by daughter Little River; sons Kendall (Ruthie) , Coldbrook; Marilyn (Ronald) Marshall, Westport; sons Arnold Gareth (Kelli), Berwick; Royce (Jana), Little Jr, London On; Clifton (LaReta), Westport; River; sister Dorothy , Sudbury, ON; Melvin(Marni), Bear River; brother Robert; grandchildren Amber, Shelby, Nicholas, Dylan, daughters-in-law Diane German, Ashmore; Cindy Alexander, Jared, Gavin, Marcus, Joshua, Titus, Westport; 17 grandchildren, 30 great great grandchildren Gage, Addison, Jamie, grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren; Layla, Landon. He was predeceased by his several nieces and nephews. Besides her wife Joan and brother Gareth. parents Hazel was predeceased by her husband of 70 years Arnold B. Titus, daughter, Linda Titus; Funeral service will be held at a later date. The sons, Everett Titus and Lindsay Titus; brothers, family would like to thank EHS and the staffs at Charles Glavin, Everett Glavin, Lindsay Glavin; Valley Regional and Digby General Hospitals sister Louis; sister-in-laws Leitha and Margaret. for their care and compassion, also a special Donations in Hazel’s memory can be made to thank you to the blood donor clinic and all of Tideview Terrace or TLC animal shelter. The their donors. family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Tideview Terrace, VON, Homecare, Donations in memory can be made to the Little Heather Buckman for the wonderful care they River United Baptist Church or a charity of your have provided over the years. Cremation has choice. Share a memory or leave an online taken place under the care of Jaynes Funeral condolence at www.jaynesfuneralhome.com Home, Digby. There will be a graveside service at 2pm, April 5 (THIS HAS BEEN POSTPONED new date TBA) at Woodside Cemetery, Westport with Craig Glavin officiating. Share a memory or leave a condolence at www.jaynesfuneralhome.com Captain James Charles McDormand BARNABY, Bruce Leslie, age 62
The family of passed away at Digby General Hospital Captain James on March 20,2020. Born in Freeport he Charles McDormand was a son of Ruth (Titus) and the late regretfully Leslie Barnaby. announces his Bruce loved life to the fullest, was a sudden passing, on caregiver, enjoyed fishing, hunting, February drawing, driving, WWE and fighting, 29, 2020 at Grand Bruce Lee was his idol. Bruce had an Cayman CI, at the amazing love for his wife, children and age of 73. family. He also enjoyed teasing people and loved a good laugh.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Lauri; Born in Westport, on September 3, 1946, to mother, Ruth; daughters, Danica Barnaby, Charles and Alva McDormand, he spent most of Paige Barnaby, Kayla Champion, Drew his years fishing the waters around his beloved and Jory Mersereau; sons, Jesse island, the Bay Fundy and beyond. For a few Barnaby, Riley Mersereau; sisters, Jane years he was spare captain on the ferries, SPRAY Derby, Ann Barnaby; brothers, Herb, Carl, and JOSHUA SLOCUM and also the Whale Watch Rodney, Clayton Barnaby; 7 Boats as spare captain. He held the position of grandchildren and several nieces and Vice President with the Westport Harbour nephews. Besides his father he was Authority. A member and trustee of the Westport predeceased by his sister Reta Frost. Church of Christ, he could also be relied upon for maintenance and upkeep of the church property. A Cremation has taken place under the care jack of all trades, Jim loved fishing most of all and of Jayne’s Funeral Home, Digby. A private in later years, very much enjoyed going on cruises. family service will be held at a later date. For a short time he was a keeper of honeybees. Donations in Bruce’s memory can be made to Digby General Hospital or the He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Crystal Canadian Cancer Society. Thank you to (Outhouse) McDormand, sons Ian (Kelly) the staff of Digby Hospital, the doctors, McDormand, Weymouth North, NS, Sean (Laura) nurses, VON and home support McDormand, Westport,NS, Granddaughter, Emma caregivers who helped. Please share a McDormand, Grandson, Samuel McDormand, memory or leave a condolence at mother, Alva (Garron) McDormand, Westport, www.jaynesfuneralhome.com brother Richard (Marilyn) McDormand, Lunenburg, NS, sister Betty Ann (Charles) O'Connell, Mahone Bay, NS, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Charles McDormand, grandparents, Willard and Harriet (Morrell) McDormand, and Leonard and Viola (O'Connell) Garron. A Memorial Service will held at a later date. Donations in memory, may be made to the Westport Church of Christ, Westport, NS or to Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke Foundation. Hartwell William A message from Sullivan Karen Crocker Post Master at Canada Post 1951 - 2020 Office Tiverton NS about postal Hartwell William procedures at the Sullivan, 68 of Tiverton and Freeport Canada Post offices. Freeport passed away on March 20, 2020 in “Canada Post will be now be operating with a the Digby General reduction of hours. Offices will open one hour Hospital. Hartwell was later and close one hour earlier. New hours are born on May 8, 1951, posted at each facility. The first hour after in Freeport, he was the opening will be for seniors and persons with son of the late Carl disabilities. Due to social distancing measures and Charlotte only one person can enter the building at a time (Howard) Sullivan. to retrieve their mail or make purchases. Please respect social distancing when you wait to enter When Hartwell was a young man, he picked the facility. Please follow the queue and enter in apples in Berwick and in the United States. He the order you have arrived. Doors will be locked also spent time working in the Berwick Bakery. in Freeport and Tiverton during the sorting of Eventually moving home to Freeport, Hartwell mail so staff can maintain proper social changed his career path and worked in the local distancing within the facility. We thank you for fish plant until he retired. your cooperation." Hartwell was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #92 Freeport and devoted member of the Freeport Baptist Church. NOTICE from NS Dept. of Transportation He enjoyed playing pool, cribbage and watching Regarding the latest restrictions put forth baseball. Hartwell treasured each trip he attended from the NS government. with the Seniors’ Club. In Hartwell’s last few years, he was a resident in the Freeport Manor. He was Our daily operations will continue as normal for still a part of the Seniors’ Club and enjoyed playing both Petit and Grand passage ferries. The crew games with them. He also liked watching hockey with his friend, Cecil Crocker. One of his life-long will maintain social distancing from all dreams was to go to Spain; and he was able to passengers. Washrooms are closed to the fulfill this dream when he and his good friend, public and we are requesting that passengers Walter, made the trip together. remain in their vehicles during the crossing. The passenger spaces will be available for He is survived by his brother Stewart (Ruth), walk- on passengers . Our main concern is to Digby; several nieces and nephews; and many keep the crews healthy during this period. grandnieces and grandnephews. Thank you for your cooperation.
Besides his parents, Hartwell was predeceased by his sisters Maureen Titus and Vernetta Haynes.
Arrangements have been postponed until a later date to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to the Brookside Cemetery, Freeport, NS. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Digby County Funeral Chapel, 367 Highway #303, Digby, B0V 1A0 (902-245-2444). Mainland Telecom is pleased to announce that it is planning, and has taken steps toward, upgrades to its existing wireless network serving Brier Island, Long Island, and East Ferry.
Usage of the wireless network has increased significantly over the last few years, as more and more residents and businesses have increased their daily use of internet. This includes residents having increased amounts of connected devices and streaming subscriptions, as well as more people working remotely. Mainland understands internet has become essential for work, communication, healthcare, entertainment, tourism and attracting/retaining residents and commerce. Our planned upgrades will alleviate the bottlenecks that exist today and will provide internet speeds that are now being considered a necessary standard by the Federal Government. Our goal is to upgrade existing connections to be 25Mbps download / 5Mbps upload, with no change to existing monthly prices. Additionally, Mainland has upgrades planned that will allow it to offer 50Mbps/10Mbps once existing connections have been improved to 25Mbps/5Mbps.
For reference, a 25Mbps connection should allow for multiple streaming services to take place concurrently in a single home without experiencing buffering. A typical high-definition stream of Netflix content requires a 4-5Mbps connection. With a 25Mbps connection, a typical household should be able to stream Netflix, Facetime a family member or friend, and download work email attachments concurrently, without experiencing connection issues.
The upgrades taking place include, but are not limited to: increasing Mainland’s backhaul connection to its tower on mainland Nova Scotia (Clare), to increase the link capacity to Freeport and East Ferry; replacing and adding additional radios to improve the link capacity at both Freeport and East Ferry; this will provide increased bandwidth, as well as reduce the impacts of “tidal fade”; upgrading all sectors at each tower site to devices recently available from our wireless equipment manufacturer; adding two additional towers in the middle of Long Island to create a transport ring that allows for redundancy and more efficient allocation of bandwidth; **potential relocation of its existing East Ferry equipment to a provincial tower in Tiverton, to achieve much greater height and line of sight; there are no required changes to the mounted dishes and routers at the customer premise.
Mainland’s backhaul connection at its tower in Clare is the “fibre transport network” that provides the connection to the Internet for the Islands’ traffic. This increased backhaul has been ordered, with a partial bump in bandwidth being available in the coming weeks and a purchase order to more than triple the existing connection size. As well, much of the new equipment has been ordered and received. Once Mainland has received all the necessary equipment, it will begin sending notifications of planned outages for the phased upgrades [in the coming weeks]. These outages will be planned outside of peak usage times and will be communicated beforehand. Mainland will also be looking for a contracted Field Technician on the Islands that can take basic service calls including: dish realignments, router/ cable related issues and Tier 1 troubleshooting.
We are excited to be taking the steps to improve internet services offered to residents on the Digby Islands. It is our priority to ensure that residents and businesses have access to the same speeds that the federal and provincial broadband initiatives are targeting. The planned upgrades will achieve these targets and are taking place during a time of province-wide announcements to improve broadband in rural communities.
Nick MacArthur Mainland Telecom | Operations Manager A message from Islands Health Centre to our friends, neighbours and patients:
UPDATE Re: Blood Collection
MARCH 30th 2020
After consultation with our EHS partners, a decision has been made to temporarily suspend blood collection / lab services at Islands Health Centre. This is keeping in-line with measures being taken across Nova Scotia Health Authority in regards to laboratory services. We apologize for any inconvenience this will cause. We will inform the community when we are able to work with our partners to provide this service again.
Fraser Mooney Many people brought back Christmas lights to brighten homes and spirits. Shelley Lonergan shared this colorful photo and thought. “My shed lights are on! Social distance people! Our future depends on it! Love and light!”
Tom Frook answered the call for color and sent a Amanda Crocker took some time to practice cosmetic art. picture of some seedlings. She is looking gorgeous in very detailed shades of green! A personal word of advice for EVERYONE! LEARN TO GROW YOUR OWN FOOD!
John Bulmer captured the early spring colors in the yard of Keith and Pamela Fisher.
Great photo of Georgie Crocker via Kirsten Crocker FB David Matthews shared this golden glory moment. Islands Food Bank Update By Dorothy Outhouse
These past few weeks have brought unprecedented events to our doorsteps. When we first heard of COVID-19, it seemed so far away. Unfortunately, the world isn't very large these days, and abstract news about a virus sweeping through Asia and Europe suddenly became reality for everyone– even those of us tucked away on somewhat remote islands.
Travelers and stay at home citizens alike have all experienced the effects of this pandemic – self isolation, missing friends and family, waits at the stores, shortages of some “essential” groceries and a dramatic cut off of what we can do in our day to day life. One area which was hit quite hard was our food bank, which is located at Freeport Baptist Church.
Over the past four years, a food bank has been operating from our church. At first, it existed on donations that only our congregation brought in but has gradually expanded. Door to door food drives have been done by Islands' school children, youth groups and boxes for donations can be seen at some events. We have dedicated storage within the Vestry of the church and when people call, or a need becomes known, a bag or bags of appropriate items are taken to those requiring some extra help. At other times, gift certificates for local or Digby stores have been sent out.
As treasurer of the church, I keep all food bank money donations separate from our general funds and track their use so that we know what has been collected for that purpose, and how much is there for use. Two weeks ago, we had $397.00 in cash and 3 items of expired baby food to our credit. It was decided at that time by David Tudor, our councillor who has been doing the bulk of delivering to those in need, to put out a plea for help.
Despite the provincial government announcing extra support for food banks, our location didn't qualify as we aren't associated with Feed Nova Scotia. The closest food bank to us which will receive help is in Digby. Although some of our residents have gone there for assistance, the majority who do usually travel on the Clare bus which currently isn't operating. We have always relied on door to door food drives throughout the Islands to restock shelves. However, with self-isolation, this is not an option. Even if cash was readily available, a leisurely trip to Digby to shop the sales in every store is not an option. Also, seeing groceries delivered to your door that came through an unknown supply chain may not bring a person joy.
After putting out the call through two Facebook groups, over forty people have given $3330 to the cause. Provincial Community Services have also been in touch with food banks having no Feed NS connections, and money may come from them in the coming days.
Often those giving had no direct connection to our islands. They wanted to do something for our communities in this time of disruption and heartache. To everyone who donated, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It may be hard for us to take in, but there are people here who do need our help from time to time. As neighbours, we need to be there.
If you or someone you know are in need, and haven't been on the list of people regularly helped by David's deliveries, please call David at 902-308- 9934 or email him at [email protected]. You can also contact me at [email protected] or 902-839-2068. Islands Food Bank will be issuing store credits or gift certificates to Long Island Trading, School Street Market or R.E. Robicheau Ltd. This way, no long travel is involved and we support the local stores that we all count on to be there when needed. Jenna Milbury shared this post and challenged others to get out and clean-up!
“Little River is a little cleaner today.
The boys and I did one small stretch of the 217 in Little River today and came out with 3 big bags of garbage and 3 bags of bottles! Our plan is to take this “time off” and do little sections at a time!!”
The Millbury boys, Parker and Landon, also had a great time creating street art with a message and a giant snakes and ladders game.
Shared by Jana Elderkin
I am doing a post regarding the community kitchen cupboard as there has been some confusion and messages wanting information. I’m learning a lot of people did not know this existed. *For anyone in need or those wanting to donate, there is a community kitchen cupboard attached to the Ruby Red Gallery building in Little River. We started this last summer and it was used regularly for those in need. It seemed to have died down a bit these past few months & happy to see it’s being stocked back up with donations in these troubled times. A Message from I’m very proud of our Post office and store Municipal Councilman workers facing the unknown with bravery. David Tudor As we are nervous to even enter a public place, these brave workers spend their days making sure we have the basics. Be sure to First I would like to point wash our hands and meet our obligations to out that of all the places maintain isolation and quarantine so these in the world we could be workers stay safe. in this difficult, time let’s be thankful that we are The current situation has caused a serious here with our families blow to the economy however the Provincial and friends. and Federal governments are announcing programs to support jobs almost daily. If you As we have been forced need help applying to any of these to move physically farther away from each programs call me and I will assist you with other we have become closer than ever. As we the forms. A reminder that during this time it step back and re-evaluate due to the virus and is very important to support local economy even in these most challenging of businesses. If we want to have a local store times everyone is keeping a close eye on each now is the time to support it. other’s welfare. For example our little food bank was unable to do its regular food drive Below you will find a series of phone with the school kids so the community stepped numbers that may be of help if you were up and in a couple of days there were unexpectedly laid off. The banks are saying generous gifts of money and food. Because of that they will work with anyone at this time if this our most vulnerable were able to have the you are having trouble making a mortgage peace of mind offered by a full cupboard and payment. the food bank itself is prepared for the immediate future. Thank you so much. Here are some customer service numbers if money is tight due to the Coronavirus. I feel comfortable that we will all look after Give them a call and ask them to work with each other as best we can. Take the time to you. think of those around us who might need extra support and be the person to provide that Nova Scotia Power: 1-800-428-6230 support. Let us make great effort to draw BMO: 1-877-788-1923 together. As spring approaches, let us meet CIBC: 1-877-454-9030 this adversity by growing gardens and National Bank of Canada: 1-888-835-6281 catching fish and sharing with our neighbours. RBC: 1-800-769-2511 In the future, let us look back to this time and Scotiabank: 1-800-472-6842 say we looked after each other when times TD Bank: 1-888-720-0075 were tough and that we became closer than HSBC: 1-888-310-4722 ever. Bell Aliant: 1-888-214-7896 Eastlink: 1-888-345-1111 Everyone is working together to make sure Telus: 1-866-558-2273 that nobody is forgotten or left behind. I have been in contact with the fire departments, If anyone needs assistance for any reason, village commissioners and churches to make please call David Tudor Municipal sure we are all prepared and working together. Councillor 902-308-9934. COMMUNITY ON GUARD Submitted by: Caitlin Gregory
On the evening of February the seventh, Brier Island experienced winds of up to 100k/h. This was also the weekend of the annual boat show in Halifax, where Eldridge Garron captain of the Miss Jill Marie was planning to attend with his wife Cindy and his son Frank.
During that evening Frank received reports that the Miss Jill Marie had considerable damage from the storm. Frank then called first Mate Tavis Outhouse from Halifax as he was concerned that the Miss Jill Marie was in peril. Travis proceeded to rush from Tiverton to the Westport ferry at Frank’s request only to find out that the ferry wasn’t running due to unsafe weather conditions. Although Travis could not cross until the early morning, he and Frank were able to see the damage done to the vessel via Amy Tudor’s live feed. Unfortunately, Frank was unable to leave Halifax until morning, because through the night Eldridge had been admitted to the QEII with an acute medical condition.
Although Captain and crew were kept at bay from reaching the Miss Jill Marie, it was comforting to know the community members of Westport had stepped up to the plate. Through the night Eddie Graham and Aaron Titus were only two of the community members who came together to help secure and watch over the boat. No small job considering the weather conditions that night.
By the morning of February, the eighth, both Frank and Travis were able to cross to Westport and begin to access the situation. It was clear that the starboard side of the vessel had obtained the majority of the damage, which was extensive. After inspecting fluids such as fuel and oil to avoid any environmental impact, they proceeded to temporarily secure the boat in preparation for transport so she could be grounded out.
Adjusters later found that the damage was too extensive for repair and the search began for a new boat. After a period of a few weeks, Eldridge and Cindy found a suitable replacement in Phinney’s Point. It was a black Dixon Haul, 44 and 11” with a 5-foot extension and 16 ½ feet inside the washboards; she goes by the name of “June & Jeff Too.”
With gear in the water the heroics of the community members did not Photo via Claudia Crocker Facebook post stop with that night. Westport fisherman Roy Small came to the aid of the captain and crew of the Miss Jill Marie, assisting in hauling traps and tending gear. Eddie and Harrold Graham were also two other fishermen gracious enough to extend an offer to help haul gear. This proves once again the camaraderie of the Nova Scotia fishermen cannot be denied. Eldridge, Cindy, crew and their family members are grateful to live in such a community that understands and acts on the needs of others, and wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Westport Fishing Community and their families. Thank you to Travis McFadden who answered the call for color for this edition and sent in these beautiful color photos of our area. Thank you Shaunette Soper for answering the call for color for this edition and sending in this creative and colorful collection!
The above photo was a commissioned Snowflake piece...already in Ontario!!
Berry Bliss California Sun'....will be living inCalifornia!!
Honey What a Gem Four generations of love staying connected at Tideview Keeping in touch with elders in long term seniors home before visiting policies changed. care facilities is important but personal visits can risk exposure to COVID19 so no visitors are allowed at most locations. The staff at Tideview in Digby helped residents get out messages to loved ones online with posts on Facebook. Families really enjoyed the posts and one resident, Ruth Dakin, got some major laughs with her “special” announcement (see below).
(L-R below) Gertie Clelland, Virginia Crocker and Caroline Norwood Oasis Youth thanks everyone who sponsored them for World Vision's 30-Hour Famine. Your generous donations totaled over $1400 to help fight hunger around the world. Also we would like to thank Recardo's Pizza, Pizza Delight, School Street Market, Long Island Trading, Dairy Queen,Sobey's and Tim Horton's who provided food for our end of Famine celebration and thank you, Mr. Morgan, for allowing us to use the school again this year for this event. Thanks to you all for helping us help others.
Sustainable Marine Energy Canada March 27 Update
SME has suspended all operational activities, including the testing of our tidal energy system at Grand Passage. The platform was removed from its moorings to replace a faulty mooring line component, and this has been accomplished, but we have made the decision not to reinstall the platform and resume operations at this time.
The operation of our system requires members of our team to be on site, to perform monitoring activities, as this is a current requirement of our DFO authorization. Our primary concern is not only the safety and well-being of our team, but also of the community where we are operating, and we don’t want to enhance the risks of community transmission through the movement of people between the Halifax area and the Digby Neck. We have therefore decided to pause our testing program until the threat posed by the outbreak of COVID-19 has passed.
At SME we are committed to doing everything we can to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and help protect the local communities in Freeport and Westport, which have been fantastic supporters of our project. We wish everyone well in these turbulent and unprecedented times, and if we work together to beat the spread, we will soon be able to return to our normal lives.
(Photo credit: Amy Tudor) From One Island to Another Color from Cozumel Photos by Lisa and Bella Titus Thank you Kelsey Leeman for answering the call for color and sending in these cute and colorful pictures of litttle Zainab & Zayd Alminayan.
Oliver and Regan Gillis are the proud owners of a Hauling the traps like Daddy new backyard boat! This pallet creation comes complete with traps and buoys for hours of imagination play! Great job Gillis family this looks like so much fun! Colorful COVID19 Cooking
Ashley Crocker cooked up an undoubtedly delicious dill Edna O’Neiil has been busy in the kitchen creating dishes that are both colorful pickle pizza. A little bit of and drool-worthy! ranch dressing some parmesan cheese and dill Jonathan White answered the call for
pickles. color by sharing this art image.
Original art by W by art Original arren Purcell arren
Thank you Trowse family for answering the call for color and sending in photos of the Freeport Mudflat Cat and Bear in a Boat!
From Loretta Crocker “Our good friend Mary Saulnier surprised us today with bagpipe tunes in our yard! She stopped at various spots on the Island to play.” Teachers connecting online and in person (at safe distance.)
Kerry Lawrence, the ICS grade primary/one teacher, has had an interactive parent group online since the start of school and she has continued to connect to her kids and parents during the cancellations. Her upcoming project in the group is the annual chicken hatch. The process of hatching the chicks can be followed online in the group. Understanding where our food comes from and how to grow your own food is a VERY important lesson for today’s new Teachers are missing their students world. Learn to grow your own and this post from Kristen Crocker food! on Facecbook shows just how much our teachers miss their students. “The most spontaneous check-ins, ICS gr 4/5 teacher Krista Moore are instant smile makers! Ms. shares jokes with her students Kinney, you are a hoot! Small town via the class Facebook group. living at its best!”
Color from Karlee Farnsworth
Time off school has allowed many to students to take on new endeavours. Karlee has used the time to work on her painting skills and these colorful works show it is time well invested! Keep up the good work Karlee! Thank you Robyn Joys for answering the call for color and sharing these moody Islands moments.
Colleen Collins March 31 I am selling ckets on this stone to raise money for our foodbank here in Freeport, Nova Sco a. The foodbank has become more depleted with so many people needing help. Each cket is $5 and all proceeds go to the food bank. You can do an etransfer to me (Colleen Collins) or write a cheque and place it in my mailbox. email address: [email protected] your name will go in for each cket you purchase. The draw will take place mid-April.
The stone has 3 coats of a water-based sealer on it and can be placed outside in the garden (not si ng in a puddle). It measures approximately 7 1/2" long and weighs 4 1/4 pounds so it won't be possible to mail it. You either need to live in the area or are planning to return this summer as I can hold for you.
Color, Candy and Children Learning! An example of how our kids are continually learning during school closures.
This was shared to the ICS Primary/One group and was shared with parent permission here.
“Isabelle's skittle experiment, she wanted to share with everyone.” Islands Consolidated School March 26 at 7:35 PM Dear ICS Families,
The staff of ICS wanted to write you a short note to let you know that we are thinking about you every day.
Very shortly, teachers will be connecting to see how families are doing. We want you to know that we are there for you during these challenging times.
Please note that we will share any information regarding academics as soon as we have them and that the NS Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Tri- Country Regional Centre for Education have been working on a continuation of learning plan. As soon as those plans are in place we will be connecting to discuss next steps for students.
Should you need to contact us about anything, please email [email protected] or Bobby Morgan, Principal, at [email protected]
Once again, we are thinking of you; stay safe, we are in this together.
ICS Staff Armchair Census of the Islands – A Snapshot in Time – March, 2020 By David & Judy Teed
You may recall in the Feb. 2018 issue of Passages we published an Armchair census of all communities on Long & Brier Islands. It's now March 2020 and it is time to update this census again to see how things have changed in the past two years. A special thanks to Dawn MacKenzie for doing the census of Westport and Michael & Susan Outhouse for doing the same in Central Grove & Tiverton. Thanks to everyone who answered our questions and helped in any way to update this information.
Island Census 2020 Westport Freeport Central Grove Tiverton Totals Adults 169 217 52 125 563 Children 28 41 13 28 110 Census Totals 197 258 65 153 673 Vacant Houses 17 34 9 22 82 Seasonal Residents 51 36 2 63 152
Island Census 2018 Westport Freeport Central Grove Tiverton Totals Adults 162 214 51 126 553 Children 29 45 18 28 120 Census Totals 191 259 69 154 673 Vacant Houses 18 31 13 24 86 Seasonal Residents 53 43 2 70 168
Island Census 2016 Westport Freeport Central Grove Tiverton Totals Adults 170 211 48 124 553 Children 31 52 19 36 138 Census Totals 201 263 67 160 691 Vacant Houses 17 39 15 29 100 Seasonal Residents 49 50 3 73 175
Island Census 2014 Westport Freeport Central Grove Tiverton Totals Adults 175 216 46 135 572 Children 31 55 20 46 152 Census Totals 206 271 66 181 724 Vacant Houses 18 35 14 27 95 Seasonal Residents 56 38 3 71 168
Island Census 2012 Westport Freeport Central Grove Tiverton Totals Adults 176 209 53 138 576 Children 30 58 17 49 154 Census Totals 206 267 70 187 730 Vacant Houses 15 42 8 32 97 Seasonal Residents 43 34 4 54 135
Island Census 2010 Westport Freeport Central Grove Tiverton Totals Adults 177 213 50 139 579 Children 44 45 19 45 153 Census Totals 221 258 69 184 732 Vacant Houses 21 45 8 36 110 Seasonal Residents 31 31 5 21 88 Now with the current census complete we can compare present-day populations with those of our past thanks to the efforts of Donald Outhouse in his book “Glimpses of the Past from Long & Brier Islands” and Annabel (Elliott) Outhouse in her book “Dwellers & Dwellings”. In Donnie's book he published the populations for 1871, 1901 and estimated populations for 1997 saying the population for 1997 is about half that of 1901. Annabel did a census from Boar's Head to Donnie Crocker's in 1980 (Hattie Allbright's home today in Central Grove). Now for some eye-opening comparisons:
1871 1901 1980 1997 1998~ 2018 2020 Long Island 1091 1372 482 476 Tiverton n / a 542* 355* 292* 154 153 Freeport n / a 830 n / a 452 259 258 Central Grove n / a n / a n / a 69 65 Brier Island 641 724 n / a Westport n / a 353 191 197 Totals 1732 2096 1048** 1097~ 673 673 * Central Grove figures were included with Tiverton. / ~ Figures from Digby Courier 1998. ** Donnie estimated population half of 1901. In the case of Annabel's figures for 1980, the population of 355 in Tiverton (included Central Grove) compares to 218 in March 2020; there, of course, may be a margin of error but it gives us a snapshot of our populations in 2020 to years prior.
The overall population of these Islands as of March 2020 has remained the same at 673 from Jan. 2018; this is noteworthy given current unemployment levels, the global economy, the younger population leaving to find work and recent graduates going off to University or Community College and deaths etc. As noted in the data, from which the population was calculated, there have been many changes in terms of property ownership as new surnames surface and old familiar ones disappear. Overall, a good news story for the Islands.
Overall comparisons between Jan. 2018 & March 2020: Overall population remained the same at 673 Adult Population increased by 10 / Child Population dropped by 10 Vacant Dwellings decreased by 4 / Seasonal Residents decreased by 16
You can read the comparisons for your own community and see how things have changed. I would encourage the Municipality to continue their efforts to remove dilapidated buildings not only on the Islands but on Digby Neck as well and encourage property owners to improve the curb appeal of their premises. If you compare the inventory of 82 vacant houses in March, 2020 to 110 in Jan. 2010, when we started this Armchair census on both islands, properties are in much better condition than in previous years. Congratulations! A BIG THANK YOU and WELCOME goes out to all the new residents & neighbors who NOW SHARE the Islands and to all the work everyone has invested in their respective properties to improve the overall appearance.
Remember, when visitors arrive on the Islands, in many cases the first impression is what they leave with. Junk & dilapidated buildings at curbsides & ferry docksides leave a big impression and not a good one. It tells visitors that, residents don't care about their communities and whether we like it or not everyone gets tarred with the same brush.
We hope the new residents of the Islands enjoy learning a bit about the history of the Islands population and appreciate the efforts put forth by everyone who has contributed to the gathering of this information.
David & Judy Teed – Feedback welcome at [email protected] COVID-19 –A message from the Westport Baptist Church
There is no country in the world that is not feeling the impact of COVID-19. The disease has hit humanity with an impact no other form of physical ailment has caused. It has touched our health, disturbed our economy and shattered our social interactions. Worst of all, it has brought with it, death. What in the world is happening?
It is at a time like this that we should hail the efforts of listening governments at various levels who are attempting to beat this problem. We feel fortunate for quick first responders and medical staff to help out. We value the efforts of those members of the general public who are abiding by the advice now world widely advocated to maintain social distancing and similar practices. Research is on-going to find a vaccine that will cure this enraged health killer. Great work and very well done people. Keep up with all your efforts. Multiply them and especially as world over governments dish out large portions of money to make certain that COVID-19 is slowed in its progress and quickly suppressed. The average person can from the confines of their home call up a neighbor or relative, assure them things will get better and offer other hopeful words. All this is good and worthty of praise. However, all the panic, excitement, and hurry to thrush out COVID-19, truly reveals what we may not really want to hear. The fact is, civilized, elite, scientific, progressive humanity does not know it all, has no answer to everything, is limited in ability. Let the words of the centuries old Book, the Bible inform us: Let the nations know they are merely human (Psalm 9:20)
It is commonly believed that problems either make us or break us when they come our way. If we cannot find an answer to a difficulty, we give in, give up or keep on hoping someone will help or a solution will come. From the Christian view point, God is in absolute control of all things. Even COVID-19 is not surprising to him. He wants those who will to see the problem and find in it a reason to hope, well beyond human efforts- to know the assurance of the God, who in coming to this world, has come to offer us help beyond suffering and shame. Our God helps not when we are outside the problem but when we are faced with it. Meet God during this troubled time because even in the middle of this hurdle, the God of heaven is still the God who has come to help His people (Luke 7:16). Help is offered when it is asked for. And God will not be the last to offer it to those who pray to Him. Pastor: Rev. Emmanuel Mutale #LifeHacks Peace in The Pandemic by We will be doing our Sunday Services on Live Well Community Church Facebook live instead of in person so anyone is welcome to joins us Sunday mornings at I know for all of us, these last couple weeks have 10:15 but the videos will also be kept up been something we’ve never experienced afterwards too. before. From social distancing to the economic downturn, the fear it all brings can be overwhelming at times. We’re all wondering when things will get better and how we’ll survive until then. Over New Year’s I heard in the news how Coronavirus was devastating the city of Wuhan, China, but I confess it felt so distant from “my world.” How quickly things have changed! Difficult times were something the Bible speaks about a lot, and the apostle Paul was no exception. During his lifetime he had been put in prison numerous times, received beatings, been shipwrecked, and ultimately was executed for sharing the news about Jesus. I don’t know about you, but when I experience difficult times, it seems so easy to lose hope and become discouraged. Yet during one of his imprisonments, Paul wrote these words: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6). This is not to say that what you’re feeling is wrong. These emotions are very real. But what Paul is telling us is that we don’t have to let fear control our lives. We don’t have to live bound up by our emotions. We can give them to God and allow Him to replace our fear with hope, joy, and relief. He can take our heaviness and exchange it for peace. We hope and pray that you experience the peace of God which is greater than the situation we face today.
With love, Pastors Dave and Melissa Tysick
CONNECTMusic Free Piano lessons at ICS have been going great. We have 9 students right now. We don't want them to lose what they've learned so we will be filming short lessons while school is cancelled and providing them for these students. If people are interested in knowing more they can contact Dave or Melissa Tysick at [email protected] or 902-308-4354.
A facebook group called “ULTIMATE NOVA SCOTIA KITCHEN PARTY (covid19 edition)” that started on March 19th 2020, has swept Nova Scotia and beyond. The group brings together musicians and music lovers sharing inspiration through music and song. The current members count is over 212,000 people including many Islanders who have shared their talents. This a collection of screen shots from the group of some of the online performances from our family and friends.
L-R Todd Sollow, Hanna Welch & Logan Fraser, Jillian Wayne, William Lucas, Vaida, Andy Moir, Al Chace, Madison Lent, Lindsay Crocker, and Olivia McGrath
MYSTERIOUS, WISE LICHENS by the Plant Ladies, Christina Prime and Teri Chace
What’s not to like Please join us on a quest to learn more about lichens and just about lichens? I bet what makes them one of the most special parts of life. I you have never promise you that you will learn to like this piece of nature and pondered that appreciate it as I have…as we welcome spring. question before. Canary in the coal mine As we had decided in January what our The first thing I ever learned about lichens was that they are topics for this effectively a warning system. Lichens cannot tolerate air year’s articles pollution. If the air in an area is dirty, they will die or not be would be, barring there at all. unforeseen circumstances, we I was told this on a high school hiking trip. I look back on it honestly did not now and have to admire the teacher for taking around 20 know what a timely teenagers up a mountain. Oh, how we complained and topic lichens would straggled along. It must have been “like herding cats.” We be for April. stopped above the treeline for a break, to catch our breath, and “British soldier,” sometimes called there was nothing but rocks—and a magnificent view, which “matchstick” lichens (fruticose type— As we are all we couldn’t help but admire. The teacher then told us to take a see next page) are easily found on coming to grips look at the rocks! They were covered with lichens. “That’s Digby Neck and the Islands. with the Covid 19 because the air is so pure up here.” pandemic, the world is going Well, we have no shortage of rocks on the Neck and Islands, through what most people, when we see the pictures and and we also have no shortage of lichens. Of course, ours is a hear the news stories, would agree is a miraculous change. thinly populated area with no industrial air pollution. By The air is clearing as travel, especially by air and car, is contrast, just as an example, consider the parking lot at the being drastically lowered. The water around the earth is ferry dock in Saint John, New Brunswick, waiting for the clearing with less boat traffic. People can breathe easier, Fundy Rose to load and take us over to Digby. There, we can creatures are now coming back to waterways that had been see lots of smokestacks belching who-knows-what (yes, polluted, etc. probably some are emitting “merely steam,” but others are surely more noxious) and hear the roar of nearby car traffic. The one thing we can hope when the world settles back to a Not too many lichens in that vicinity. state of normalcy after a while is that people will slow down and realize that we really are controllers of the world’s So my point is, often your own eyes (or lungs) can tell you if destiny and we should not let our greed, and desire to be all an area has bad air…but the lichens also know. Now when I over the planet whenever we desire, be what pulls us and the find myself on a rocky place such as a mountaintop or world back to a time and place where we only care about Dartmouth Point, I make a point to breathe deeply and happily, ourselves and the world goes back to suffering. The world is savouring the great gift and taste of good air. ours to save, we can do it. The root of the matter Now, you may ask “How do lichens fit into this picture?” Keep reading and you will certainly find the answers as we Why can’t lichens tolerate bad air? Ah, that’s an interesting take you for a walk. question.
We may not really delve deeply into everything we see as They have no roots. Lichens mainly grab the moisture and we take walks in the wilderness, or even on a city street. nutrients they need to live from the air. If there’s bad stuff in And what about your own backyard? But today let’s look the air—heavy metals, sulfur dioxide—they absorb these closely at something so commonplace you probably have pollutants and die. (In this regard, they remind me of oysters, not really given it much thought—the humble lichen. which also absorb and cannot offload pollutants.) They may look like they’re growing on something, but in reality, they are I remember as a child looking at a lichen-covered rock and merely attached by tiny filaments or a central “holdfast.” busily picking the lichen off, bit by bit, and not giving it a moment of thought. Many is the time I have walked in a A lichen is not exactly “a plant” cemetery and noticed the tombstones with lichens growing on them, and thought to myself that those stones must be For such seemingly dull-looking little things, lichens are old, because, well, to get that much lichen on them they had surprisingly interesting. It turns out they aren’t individual to have been there a long time. I will be the first one to organisms at all. Instead, they are “symbiotic gatherings” of admit I wish I had had more respect for nature in my two or more species. To simplify, they are part fungus and part childhood. I’m glad I do now. green algae (or bacteria). As a botany text quipped, “Alison Algae and Freddie Fungus How lichens help rocks become minerals took a lichen to each other." (Sorry!!!) Believe it or not, lichens on rocks are at work. Super-slow Now we know that fungus—think of mushrooms, for work, but work nonetheless. Remember how I said that they example—can live perfectly well on their own, and we also gather moisture from the air? Over the coming and going of know that algae and bacteria can live perfectly well on their winter after winter, that water freezes then thaws repeatedly own. So why get together in this way? Well, the situation has and in the process, bits of the rock break off and sift or fall to to be mutually beneficial, of course! The fungus offers a the ground (or get moved there by wind and rain), protective home and absorbs nutrients and water from the air contributing a small but steady delivery of minerals and as mentioned above, while the algae in return provides food nutrients. Picture a place with more rocks than soil—over a (by doing photosynthesis). period of time, lichens can help build up soil and thus open the door to plants moving in. Different kinds Lichens as food Here are the three main kinds of lichens, and you can see examples of them if you keep a lookout when you are out A creature would have to be pretty desperate to dine on and about. Check rocks and stones, gravel piles, cliff faces, lichens, you would think. On the other hand, consider the way old quarries, etc., but also look on trees or even right on the deer nibble on tree bark in cold winters. Evidently caribou ground. You can also find lichens around human habitations way up in the Arctic do eat lichens, especially in the lean such as on patios, walls, fences, bridges, as well as old stone winter months, when they will paw through the snow cover to structures (houses, outbuildings) or adorning gravestones or get at them. In the Mountain West, elk and mule deer have signs. They are able to grow where few other things thrive, been known to do the same. attaching themselves in unlikely spots. You’ve got to admire their toughness and adaptability! I’ve also read that smaller animals will eat lichens, and I report that here, though I’ve never seen it. Goats (well, as Crustose: these are the thin greenish some of you reading this know quite well, goats will eat or blue-greenish, occasionally anything!), also grouse and wild turkeys, and perhaps a few yellowish, ones that look almost other creatures in difficult habitats. painted on rocks. Occasionally you’ll also see them on bricks or Other uses stone buildings or gravestones. Some lichens have medicinal uses and practitioners in Foliose: these are generally light different parts of the world have used local species for green and more substantial, “leafy.” everything from antibiotics to anti-inflammatories to poison. They really look plantlike and if you try to pick or pry one loose, you’ll And some can be used discover that they have a more or to make dyes for wool less central attachment point. or fabrics, and for paints. By soaking Fruticose: furry or fluffy, these have harvested lichen actual branches and stalks. Tree trunks (which they do not pieces in water and harm in any way) are a favourite spot, as are gravel areas. ammonia (and/or They may be erect or hanging. (see photo on previous page) urine, the older method), people have Lichenometry been able to coax out not only the expected Lichens, you will not be surprised to learn, grow very brown and green but A sampling of lichens used to make slowly. And steadily. So they can be used to roughly estimate also red, blue, orange, colourful dyes. (photo from the age of something. A bit like how tree rings can be gold, and purple fibershed.org) counted to establish how old a tree is, or was. Using lichens pigments. Of course to date the age of something is obviously specialized this depends on the species and the technique. knowledge, but there are people who know how! A better world For instance, a gravestone. Perhaps time has weathered away the date on a stone, but the lichen can clue you as to its age, So now you see, these “plants” are really intriguing and tough because we have to assume when the stone was first set up, and even useful. Maybe they “know” something we are just it was smooth and new. learning during this strange and unsettling time in our history. Something about working, patiently, in partnership. Or a rockslide. One can look for the largest lichen and use Something about always making a good contribution to your that to determine how long the rocks have been exposed. surroundings. Perhaps every living thing, no matter how seemingly plain, small, or humble, has something to offer.
Emma Delaney Miya Brown
The Digby Area Skate Club skaters showed off their skills on March 8th at the annual skate show. “Under The Big Top” was the theme and it was a wonderful, bright and very-well done show!
Lillie Thimot Maddie Thimot Ally Guier Gracie Guier
Demeka Tudor Our island communities are rich with volunteers. Volunteering is a way of life, it attracts a collection of wonderful people dedicated to enriching island life, Check out building community, and providing no shortage of fun, https://www.canada.ca/en/ entertainment, and in the case of of fire fighters, safety. services/benefits/ei/cerb- application.htm for Helen Teed is one such person. Her volunteering information about the started early through the church, then later on with the Canadian Emergency health board. Here in our communities, she has given over 2 decades of service, including 21 years at the Response Benefit (CERB) Freeport Fire Department. Before her recent Applications open April 6. retirement from the fire department she was instrumental in the building of the firehall and the day to day running of the organization. She organized meals, was quick to respond to requests for hall bookings, kept the announcement board relevant, and washed far more dishes than anyone cares to count, and gave deeply of her time and resources.
But those were the events we were privy to, what we didn't see were the countless calls as a first responder. Being present for people in their moments of fear and vulnerability. Giving them compassion and care, while setting aside her own fears and feelings to be an anchor for them in that moment.
She continues her work as a volunteer through the Freeport Village Commission. They have been very busy as of late getting through major renovations of our community hall!
Thank you Helen for all you've done and continue to do. We wish you the best as you pursue photography, enjoy some well earned downtime, and enjoy watching your greatest legacy, your two incredible daughters, continue to thrive and grow.
By Courtney Trowse
39 My fellow Nova Scotians,
COVID-19 is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation, and I recognize this is a scary time for Nova Scotians. Public health o翿 cials are working closely with our colleagues across the country and our partners in Nova Scotia to limit the spread of the virus and increase ca - pacity within the health system to respond.
During this state of emergency, we must all work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here are important steps we are requiring all Nova Scotians to take:
• Stay home as much as possible. When you are out, practice social distancing by limiting contact with other people (stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart) and have no more than 5 people together
• Shop only for essentials, such as groceries and prescription medication and only have one person doing the shopping
• If you’ve traveled outside the province, self-isolate for 14 days
• If you feel unwell, go to 811.novascotia.ca and use the self-assessment questionnaire to find out if you need to call 811
• Wash your hands often, avoid touching your face and clean surfaces regularly
I understand that this situation may be creating a lot of fear. This is normal. However, it’s important that we respond, not in fear, but with caring, a sense of community and common sense. No one person is responsible, but we can all be part of the solution. If someone in your community is self-isolating or ill, what they need is your support, compassion and understanding. I encourage you to:
• Check in with those closest to you by phone, text or social media
• Have a video chat with someone in isolation
• Make sure your neighbours have what they need
• Encourage people to get information from reliable sources, like: novascotia.ca/coronavirus
novascotia.ca/coronavirus Following public health direction and supporting each other is how we will beat this virus.
For the latest information, advice and resources, visit: Government of Nova Scotia: novascotia.ca/coronavirus Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus
For general information on novel coronavirus information, call: Toll-free: 1-833-784-4397
For updates on social media, follow: Government of Nova Scotia Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nsgov/ Government of Nova Scotia Twitter account: https://twitter.com/nsgov Department of Health and Wellness Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NovaScotiaHealthAndWellness/ Department of Health and Wellness Twitter account: https://twitter.com/nshealth
We will continue to provide you with the latest information to help you protect yourself, your family and community members. Thank you for your help in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our province.
Dr. Robert Strang Chief Medical O翿 cer of Health Province of Nova Scotia
novascotia.ca/coronavirus FAQs to support the Public Health Protec on Act Order
Childcare:
Can unregulated se ngs stay open? Unlicensed childcare providers can con nue to operate as long as they meet the requirements under the Day Care Act. Unlicensed providers are permi ed to provide care for up to 6 children of any age (including their own), or up to 8 school-aged children (including their own).
What about access to childcare for essen al workers? There is no change in childcare closures at this me. Licensed providers are required to remain closed. Unlicensed providers are permi ed to operate as long as they comply with the Day Care Act.
Border:
What should people expect at checkpoints? The goal at our borders is to ensure people entering Nova Sco a know there is a state of emergency and that they need to self isolate for 14 days. There are some excep ons. These include healthy individuals who cross the border on a regular, ongoing basis for work or to carry out legislated du es, including health care workers, child protec on workers, cri cal infrastructur e workers, law enforcement and correc ons workers.
Inspec on staff are sta oned at all border crossings – whether land, sea or air – and are stopping non-commercial traffic to inform and hand out informa on. They are not tracking individuals.
What about people who work and live near the border and come back and forth for work? Health y people who cross the border on a regular, ongoi ng basis for work or to carry out legisla ve du es are exempt from the self -isola on order. Other exemp ons for cross-border tr avel into Nova Sco a include:
• healthy workers in trades and transporta on sectors who move goods and people, • people travelling into the province for essen al health services and one support person • healthy workers employed by medical supply businesses • Canadian military personnel, coast guard and RCMP • First responders including police, fire, paramedics
Those listed above must prac ce social distancing of two metres or six feet to the best of their ability, closely self-monitor, and self-isolate if they become unwell. Where can I go to get exercise? If you don’t have symptoms and you haven’t been told to self-isolate, you can go for walk in your neighborhood or use your yard if you have one. This should be for exercising, not to socializ e with neighbors and friends.
While provincial and municipal beaches and parks are closed; some trails are s ll open. Use trails in your immediate area. Many trails are operated by municipali es and community groups so check before you go out to see what’s open. Make sure you can m aintain a social distance of
2 metres or 6 feet while on the trail.
Enforcement:
How should people report?
Before calling police, we encourage people to have a conversa on, if possible, to explain why self isola ng and social d istancing is necessary.
If a call to police is needed please call a non-emergency number for the police that serve your community. Do not call 911.
What are the fines? P olice are authorized to enforce orders under the Health Protec on Act. If Nova Sco ans and businesses do not prac ce social distancing and self-isola on, they will face fines of $1,000 for individuals and $7,500 for businesses. Mul ple fines can be given for each day an individual or business fails t o comply.
P olice can also enforce offences under the Emergency Management Act. For example, fines for charging higher than fair market prices for goods and services or not adhering to assem bly or travel direc ves.
Apartments:
I live in an apartment where there are common spaces like a gym, pool an d recrea on room – shou ld they be closed? All fitness establishments, including those in workplaces or apartment buildings, must be closed by order of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Ideally, recrea on and common areas in apartment buildings should be closed, but if they remain open, they cannot have more than 5 people in them at any one me and social distance of 2 metres or 6 feet should be maintained. They should also be regularly cleaned and disinfected, at least twice daily or as required. Travel and self isola on
What if I’m traveling between provinces and just passing through Nov a Sco a? Everyone should limit non-essen al travel. If you have to travel and need to cross through Nova Sco a, you are required to self-isolate while in the province, maintain social distance of 2 me tres or 6 feet and limit contact with other people.
What if I’m picking up my child from university in another province or I’m moving to Nova Sco a? Anyone entering Nova Sco a who is not considered an essen al service is required to selfisolate for 14 days when they arrive.
When one person comes back from travel or is told to go into self-isola on, should the whole household be self-isola ng for 14 days? Anyone returning from travel needs to self-isolate and remain separate from family members as much as possible. The family should regularly clean and d isinfect common areas, at least twice daily. They should self-monitor for any symptoms of illness. Others in the home do not have to self -isolate unless the person who travels becomes unwell.
What if I live with someone who has to travel across the border for work? Do I have to selfisolate? If someone in your household has to travel across the border to work on a regular, ongoing basis, they do not have to self-isolate unless they become unwell. If they become unwell, the en re household will need to self-isolate.
Businesses:
What sectors are considere d essen al and do not have to follow the social distancing rules? Essen al-service sectors in Nova Sco a, which are exempt from the social gathering limit of no more than five people are:
-- health - - food, agri-food and fisheries -- transporta on -- construc on and manufacturing -- IT, telecommunica ons and cri cal infrastructure -- public services, such as police, fire and ambulances
If I work in a non-essen al business, like a call centre, do I go to work? Any business that can maintain social distance of 2 metres or 6 feet between clients and customers can stay open. If social distance can’t be maintained, the business must limit the number of customers or clients on its premises to no more than 5 people at a me.
Businesses should regularly clean and disinfect workspaces and high-touch areas at least twice a day or as required, and ensure employees are prac cing good hy giene.
What if I can’t always maintain social distance with customers? If you cannot maintain social distances of 2 metres or 6 feet, you are required to limit the nu mber of customers or clients on the premises to no more than five people at a me.
Businesses should regularly clean and disinfect workspaces and h igh-touch areas at least twice a day or as required, and ensure employees are prac cing good hygiene.
What if I can maintain six feet of social distance in my workplace? If you work in or run a business where social distancing guidelines of 2 metres or 6 feet can be maintained, there can be more than five people on the premises.
Businesses should regularly clean and disinfect workspaces and high-touch areas at least twice a day or as requir ed, and ensure employees are prac cing good hygiene.
What about malls? Curr ently malls can remain open, provided social distance of 2 metres or 6 feet can be maintained between customers. In stores where this is not the case, no more than 5 customers or clients can be o n the premises at any one me.
What if I provide health services and I own my own business (for example a physiotherapist)?
P eople who are self- regulated health professionals, like a physiotherapist, and operate their own business can only provide in-person emergency or urgent care services. They can also provide virtual care for non-emergency /elec ve care services if authorize d to provide virtual car e within their scope of prac ce.
Anyone in a non-regulated health profession, like a naturopath, must close. One excep on is podiatrists who must follow the direc ve related to regulated health professions.
Should public transit con nue running? Public transit can con nue to operate. Where possible, they should have passengers maintain social distance. High-touch surfaces should also be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Should hotels stay open? Businesses and organiza ons who can maintain social distancing requirements of 2 metres or 6 feet can stay open. Like all businesses and organiza ons, hotels should regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas at least twice a day or as required, and ensure employees are prac cing good hygiene.
Is there any direc on on what Taxi drivers should do to protect drivers and clients and s ll be in compliance with public health orders? General guidelines recommend frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces between each customer.
What organiza ons and professions are exempt from the social distancing requirements AND the 5-person social gathering limits? • Hospitals • Any court opera ng essen al services • Correc onal facili es for adults and youth • Proba on offices
• Unlicensed child -care facili es
• Homeless shelters • Health professions who are independent prac oners engaged in community prac ce including doctors, pharmacists, nurse prac oners, nurses, con nuing care workers, home care workers, par amedics • People who provide, service or repair medical equipment like wheelchairs and home oxygen equipment • Residen al facili es for persons with disabili es • Residen al se ngs for children in care of the province
• Long-term care facili es and home care agencies
• Food produc on plants • Fishing vessels
Mu nicipal en es and contractors: • Taxi services • Police and fire services • Municipal u li es (water , wastewater, stormwater)
• Maintenance of u li es and municipal facili es
• Transporta on • Road maintenan ce/repair • Municipal ICT systems and services • Public Transit • Solid Waste, garbage and li er collec on and disposal
• Urban Forestry • Municipal logis c, distribu on, storage, inventory and repair services
Dated: March 26, 2020 Coping with COVID-19
For many of us, COVID-19 is creating an uncertain future. People worry about their own health, the health of their loved ones, school, work, or finances. This is an anxious and stressful time for everyone. It's okay to take time for your mental health – good mental health and positive wellbeing can help you better cope during this time. Take Action Being proactive can help you take back control and reduce anxiety. Look to trusted organizations and agencies like the Nova Scotia Government , Health Canada and World Health Organization for information about how to reduce your risk of getting sick or passing the illness on to others.
Take Care of Yourself
Eat as well as possible. Exercise regularly. Make time for hobbies. Get enough sleep.
Stay Connected with Family and Friends
Isolating yourself from others can affect your mood. Find ways to connect with people you care about in other ways - you can still reach out by phone, text, or video call.
Help Others if You Can Cut Back on Social Media and the News Ask friends, family members, or Constantly checking for updates or reading neighbours if they need anything, sensationalized stories can really take a toll on your such as groceries or other mental health. Try to avoid excessive exposure and household needs. Simply checking limit yourself if social media or news stories increase in regularly by phone, text, or video your anxiety. If you need to limit conversations, it's call can make a big difference. okay to tell family, friends, and co-workers that you can't participate.
Explore Self-Management Strategies Have a Plan Explore self-management strategies like It's hard to predict exactly what will happen next, but mindfulness, yoga, meditation, art, or relaxation preparing for situations like self-isolation can help techniques to manage anxious thoughts. reduce some uncertainty about the future.
You can find self-management strategies for People with preexisting mental health conditions anxiety from Anxiety Canada and Kids Help and/or substance use disorders should continue with Phone. their treatment as much as possible and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available24 hours a day, 7 days a week to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll free).
For information and updates, visit: www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus
The COVID19 statics from Nova Scotia Goverment website on APRIL 2nd 2020