MacBouch Host 1st Jam Session for 2011

Just received this memo from Greg Silvers, and I thought I would pass it along to all music lovers who enjoy Open Jam Sessions. If you are planning to be in St. Peter's on New Years Day, stop in at MacBouch Restaurant and Beverage Room for an afternoon of enjoyment. Greg is looking for your input as well on times and dates for future sessions throughout the winter months. His contact information can be found at the bottom of the message, lets help get these sessions up and running.

Hello Kitchen Rackets Fans:
You are invited to our first open jam session of the New Year 2011:


Saturday January 1, 3 pm - 5 pm
at the MacBouch Restaurant and Tavern
Grenville St., St. Peter's


All are welcome. No cover charge. Meet all kinds of players and singers, for all kinds of music.
This is an accoustic jam, but if you need an amp for a keyboard or bass guitar please bring it along.
We are looking forward to seeing the old gang and any newbies who want to join in.
We are also hoping to set up regular jams at the MacBouch over the winter. We'll be wanting your opinion on dates and times for regular sessions.


Please pass the word along, and feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested in coming out on New Year's Day!


For further information please contact:
Greg Silver
Tel: 902 535 3990
Cel: 902 631 5050
gsilver@cdg.ns.ca

Tourism in Richmond County

Christmas is over and New Years Celebrations are just around the corner, so I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best in 2011. As we look forward to the new year and all it has to offer, we should look back at the past year and be thankful. In Richmond our tourism season was excellent'. With the grim outlook that hovered over the minds of tourism operators as the season began, we managed to come out of the season having seen visitors in numbers that were not expected. Operators that I spoke to who had been expecting a decline in their numbers actually saw an increase, which I am happy to say reflects business around the entire Island.
The comments we received from visitors as to why they came to Cape Breton continue to give us hopes that the tourism industry will continue to grow in the area. Numbers at the Visitor Center were as expected, and althought we saw a change in why the visitors were stopping in at the center, they were still overjoyed to have our service center available to meet with their needs. In previous years, the center saw many tourists looking for help with obtaining reservations during their stay on the island and as they travelled onto the mainland of Nova Scotia; this year we saw more visitors who although they booked ahead some using the on line service and some using travel agents they used the services of the Visitor Center to change reservations. Some because they wanted to stay and take in activities longer in a certain area others because they had not realized just how big an area they would be covering in their travel and the reservations they had were just not fitting in their time frame. We were only to happy to assist them with their changes and also to advise the visitors as to what festivals and activities they could take in while in the area that they had not been aware of on line. We had only the best comments as to the quality of service offered by the visitor Centres around Cape Breton Island and the mainland of our beautiful Province and what a value they were to the traveler. We were very proud to be able to offer this service and look forward to being able to assist them in the year ahead.
The communities around Richmond did a remarkable job of offering everything from community breakfasts to lobster suppers, from variety concerts to Scotish country dance lessons as well as weekly Ceilidhs and surf lessons, which gave the visitors to our area a real taste of the local charm and culture and entertainment for which we have to offer. And it is only with the help of local volunteers, community leaders and Municipality Departments and our very hard working Tourism Associations that we as a county are able to offer the visitor this sought after experience.
The Celtic Colours International Music Festival had another successful year and was strong attendance by visitors and locals alike at all festival events and concerts. Again this year Richmond was proud to host 3 of the concerts for Celtic Colours, and at the Visitor's Center we were happy to hear only rave reviews of the performances offered by our very popular entertainers giving all indications that these visitors will be returning for next years events as well.
A great way to start the New Year off is to attend the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch # 43 New Years Levee. The Branch organizers extend an invitation to you to attend the viewing of the Memorial Veterans Wall and to partake in refreshments and entertainment from 2 to 5pm, everyone is welcome.

Until next week, to all those who will be out celebrating the incoming year, remember " If you care to be out on the road, take care and make sure to keep everyone's holiday celebration a safe one.

Rock the Night Away at Shindigs

Looking for something fun to do now that the big day is passed. Well here is an event that might just fit the bill. The boys of Fine Lookin’ Mary are back for their Boxing Day Bash at Shindig’s Pub in Port Hawkesbury. Sandy Ehler, Joel Morais, Lenny Pettipas, and their new bandmate James Cameron is all set to rock it out on Granville Street on December 26, starting at 10:00pm.

Yes, Fine Lookin Mary returns to the stage in the reunion event of the year. Everything you loved about Fine Lookin Mary is back and by all reports better than ever. Shindigs has siezed the opportunity to bring in the gang for their awesome Boxing Day Bash! This very talented group made up of Sandy Ehler on guitar & vocals Joel Morais on bass & vocals, Lenny Pettipas on drums & vocals and James Cameron on guitar & vocals is back and ready to rock the night away. James Cameron is new to the band but his tone and energy are sure to meet with everyones approval. So come on out for a fun evening on Sunday, December 26,to Shindigs at 510 Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury. Advance tickets $6.00.

VIEW OF RICHMOND

With the colder weather approaching, those who enjoy the great outdoors will be looking for activities that are available in the local area. Richmond has some great hiking and all terrain trails located throughout the county where locals and visitors can go to enjoy the fresh air and get lots of exercise. In St. Peter's walking trails can be found in the Battery Provincial Park as well as the Old Railway Bed Trail that runs along the Bay bordering the Village of St. Peter's as far as River Tillard. Hikers can enjoy the fresh air as well as great scenery. On the beautifulI Acadien island of Isle Madame those who enjoy hiking can take in some great exercise, as they hike any one of the trails that make up the Cape Auguet Eco Trail.
Cape Breton also has an excellent ski resort located in our area. Ski Ben Eoin is located in Ben Eoin just 45 minutes from St. Peter's and only 20 minutes from Sydney. The Ski Resort offers great programs of instruction for skiing. This year they are offering a great beginners childern's ski program, as well as a school program which is designed to expose school age children to an outdoor lifestyle that promotes physical fitness. The Ski Resort also offers great snowboarding and cross country ski programs for sportsmen of all levels from beginners to advanced. For information on the Ski Resort and the list of programs which begin on January 8th call 1-902-828- 2222.
For those who enjoy skating Richmond has the answer for a great skating location. The Richmond Arena is a great spot to go and skate no matter what the weather is outdoors. The arena offers a Parent/Tot Skate Program, Student Skate Program and Family Skate Program as well, what a great activity for the whole family to take in. For more information on these programs call 1-902-266-2400 and ask for Shannon Diggdon.
Now with all this information of outdoor activities being mentioned, this might give the Christmas shopper some ideas as to what to get the outdoorsmen on your Christmas list, skates, skis, hiking boots and season passes are all great gift options.

TOURISM IN RICHMOND COUNTY

This past week was busy throughout Richmond with holiday activities taking place, which included the EREC Christmas Concert where visitors and family alike were entertained. The students performance was exceptional with instrumentals and vocals performed to perfection. The budding stars of the elementary school shone as they sang, danced and acted out skits and the classic Christmas story of the Nativity. Definitely an evening which took a lot of hard work on the part of the students and factulty and proved what talent is in the County. I was very pleased and proud to have been in the audience as my granddaughter performed with her class. If you did not have the opportunity to attend the Tuesday performances, I have put up some photos and clips of the concert on my blog, if you would like to check it out go to tourismspotlight.blogspot.com. You might like to take the opportunity to vote for your favourite Christmas tune as well. If you would like to make a comment on the blog, please do.

With only 9 shopping days left to Christmas, if you are still racking your brain as to what to get for the folks on your Christmas list, I have a couple of ideas to pass along. Ski Ben Eoin is scheduled to open for the season on December 17th, weather and temperatures permitting. We are all keeping our fingers crossed for a little coolertemperatures, so we can take to the slopes. A season pass would make a perfect gift for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The ski resort are also offering childrens classes starting Jan 8 and 9th, where your child 3-5 years can enroll for 8 weeks of classes, they can chose either Saturday morning from 10am to 12pm or from 1-3pm or Sunday morning from 10am to 12pm or after noon class from 1-3pm. If you would like more information on this class or others call 1-902-828-2222.
Another great outdoor gift idea might be a golf pass from the Dundee Resort and Golf Club. What golfer wouldn't like to open a gift which held a summer full of enjoyment for him or her on one of the best golf courses in Cape Breton.

With the Richmond Arena open for the season a new pair of skates would make the perfect gift for someone on your gift list. The arena offers family skating on Sunday afternoons and what a great form of excercise and a fun event that the en family can enjoy together.

Until next week, have fun getting ready for Christmas!!

Bruschettea anyone?

With the holidays approaching I thought I would share this recipe with all my followers. I received this recipe from my friends Rhoda and Jean Pierre of the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter's. And if you have ever had the priviledge of eating at their restaurant you will know the recipe will be a hit with your guests over the holidays.

If you are still looking for the perfect gift for someone who deserves something extra special on Christmas morning, I would definitely recommomend a gift certificate from the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter's. It is sure to be a hit at Christmas or for any occassion during the year?

Great for
Holiday Entertaining

Bruschetta
Prepare the Tomato Mix in Advance
Top your mini toast and broil
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12



Ingredients
Tomato Mix
3 cups of Plum Tomatoes (Seeded and Diced)
2 minced Garlic Cloves
1/4 cup diced Onion
1/4 tsp. Tabasco Sauce
1 tsp. Worchestershire Sauce
1 tsp Lemon Juice
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano
Salt and Pepper to Taste
For Best Results
Combine Tomato Mix ingredients in a glass bowl
Stir & cover with plastic wrap
Place in Fridge for 12 hrs allowing flavours to developIngredients
Mini Toast
12 slices of Baguette Loaf about 1 inch thick
1 Clove of Garlic cut in half
Swiss Cheese
1 tsp finely chopped fresh Basil
Top with Tomato Mix
Directions
Bruschetta

Heat Tomato mix on medium heat in a skillet
Toast baguette slices under broiler
Rub warm mini toast with fresh Garlic
Spoon warm Tomato Mix on Mini Toast
Top with Swiss Cheese
Broil until Swiss Cheese melts
Garnish with Basil

Company Coming
Dress-up Bruschetta with thinly sliced Smoked Salmon
Try this for the Kids
Top Tomato Mix with Mozzarella Cheese and thinly sliced Pepperoni

EREC Evening Christmas Concert

Tuesday night Concert was every bit as good or event better than the 12:30pm warm up concert at EREC's Elementary School. The stars of the elementary shone as the cast for each performance were dressed in their finery, hair done to perfection and shoes all shined up and voices like angles. The song and verse that were performed in French and Englished showed just how hard students and faculty worked to make the evening a success.

Tourism In Richmond County

If you have not been keeping track of the number of days left until the big day, let me fill you in, there are only 16 days left. It is surprising how fast the holiday season sneaks up on a person. If you are like me and still trying to figure out what to get for those members of your family and friends that are hard to buy for, I may have a few ideas for you. Gift certificates from the great restaurants we have in Richmond, always make a great gift, who doesn't enjoy a chance to eat out and get away from cooking. Another idea that always seems to please members of my family, are a gift item from Glad Tidings our Christmas Shoppe, the beautiful variety of Christmas items that makes a heirloom that families will treasure for years to come. Another stop I make during my Christmas shopping is at Mac's Celtic Shop. I can always find an item there for those who enjoy the Celtic flair, from ties to jewellry. Of course some members on my gift list always enjoying receiving a Christmas floral centerpiece or flower arrangement from Lynn's Flowers. Hope some of these gift ideas can help with your last minute shopping.
There are still lots of festive activities taking place around the county to gets us in the holiday spirit. On Saturday December 11th, The Old Fashoned Carol Sing will take place at 7:30pm at the lovely Little Church in Point Tupper. This is the perfect place to come dressed in warm seasonal clothing and join in the singing, hear stories, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and traditional apple cider and some delicious cookies, and be prepaired for the possibility of a visit from jolly Old St. Nick himself.
The Lakeside Community Centre will be joining in the Christmas Spirit as they hold their annual Christmas concert on December 12th, at 2pm. Guests will be in for an afternoon of traditional Christmas music and at intermission a delicious lunch will be served.

To help make everyone's Christmas more merry this year, you may want to consider bring a gift item of a toy for a child (marked for a girl or boy) aged up to 16 years, to Mac's Celtic Shop in St. Peter's. The gifts will be collected until December 17th, and placed under the Community Christmas tree at the store, gifts will be distributed in time for Christmas.

Until next week, have fun getting ready for the holidays.

Joyeux Noel at the Christmas Concert part 1

The Afternoon Performance

EREC 2010 Christmas Concert

I just had the most enjoyable afternoon being entertained by the students of the East Richmond Education Centre. Students from grade Primary to grade 8 entertained parents and grandparents with instrumental and traditional Christmas songs and drama including a beautiful rendition of the nativity. The teachers and music department at the elementry school did a marvelous job preparing the kids for their songs and verses, both in English, French and Mi'kmaq.

More Entertainment From the Tree Lighting Concert

Sword Dance From the Tree Lighting Ceremony

Fiddling From the Tree Lighting Concert

Entertainment From the Tree Lighting Concert

St. Peter's Celebrates Following Tree Lighting Ceremony

St. Peter's townfolk turnout for Christmas concert

St. Peter's Pre-school studnets entertain

Highland Dance Troupe perform

Folks got into the festive spirit at the Christmas concert held following the Official Tree Lighting in St. Peter's on Friday night. The St. Peter's Fire Hall was packed as folks came to take in the annual Christmas Tree Concert. The crowd was entertained by locals including students of the St. Peter's Pre-school and the young Highland Dance Troupe under instructors Jenifer Landry and McKayla Mathews. Representitives of Nova Scotia Power were on hand for the Christmas Light Exchange Program. The program had a lot of people take the opportunity to exchange the old fashioned lights for LED lights. At the concert there was quite a bit of excitement as kids were treated to hot chocolate and candy canes as well as a special appearance by Santa Claus, who spent some time with the tiny tots.

The CEP/SCEP Kids Christmas Party

I remember as a child the feeling of excitment and the fun it was to go with my parents to visit Santa and make sure he knew all the items that were on my list. On December 5th, although he is getting very busy with all the last minute preperations for the big night, Santa Claus will be making a special stop at this years CEP/SCEP Kids Christmas Party to visit with the children. The party is being held at the Port Hawkesbury Fire Hall from 2-4pm. Kids are invited to come to the Fire Hall for a party with free hot dogs and pop and to meet the jolly old gent and tell him what they want for Christmas.

Tis the Season 4

Tis the Season 4 with Cape Breton's favorite entertainers Bette MacDonald, Maynard Morrison & Ralph Dillon is raring to go with a hysterical take on the holiday season. It's a new year and a new show with your favourite funny people, Wayne Tomko, Mary Morrison, Martin MacKinnon & Father Gillis!
Showtime at the Strathspey Place in Mabou is 7:30pm tonight and at the SAERC Auditorium at 7:30pm tomorrow, December 4th. The Port Hawkesbury show is sold out! There are some tickets still available for the mabou performance. Tickets are available at the Strathspey Place box office by phone at 902-945-5300 from 1pm-4pm.

View of Richmond

The holiday season is quickly approaching and one of my favorite events to visit is the Community Tree lighting ceremony. This weekend there are a few taking place. On December 3rd the official Tree Lighting Ceremony in St. Peter's will take place at 6pm at the corner of the Foodland Grocery parking lot on Grenville Street. Following the ceremony, the festivities will move to the St. Peter's Fire Hall at 22 Toulouse St, where the children will receive treats and there will be local entertainment for all those in attendance. Also on hand at the event will be representatives of the Nova Scotia Power Commission, who again this year will be doing the Christmas Light Exchange Program. You can exchange 2 sets of your old style lights for a new set of LED lights.

On December 4th, the Official Christmas Tree lighting will take place in L'Ardoise. The ceremony will take place following the four o'clock Mass at the Holy Gaurdian Angel Catholic Church. There will be hot chocolate served. Everyone is welcome.

Noel Isle Madame Community Christmas will take place on Saturday, December 4th at Lenoir Landing at the Arichat Waterfront. This event, with Christmas activities for the children, will take place from 3-6pm. At 3pm, there will be face painting, at 3:15pm the Kidd Brothers Christmas Show. At 3:30pm there will be hot chocolate, apple cider, cake and cookies and at 4pm have your child's photo taken with Santa Claus. There will be pizza and hot dogs at 4:30pm and musical entertainment featuring local church choirs starting at 5pm and the Official Tree lighting will take place at 5:30pm. Representatives from Nova Scotia Power will be on hand to for the Christmas Light Exchange Program. Food items or gift donations to the Isle Madame Food Bank will be graciously accepted.

On December 5th, The Strait Area Community Curling Club is sponsoring a Holiday Tour and Tea from 2-5pm. Tickets are $15.00 and visitors can visit the historic Church of St. David's. Decorated in Victorian period, you can enjoy the St. Joesph's Children's Choir and the Inverness County Gaelic Choir. The tour will also include six other Port Hawkesbury properties which will be decked out in holiday finery. The Tea will be held at the Curling Club and there will be live entertainment to make it all the more festive. For more information on tickets call 625-0609, 625-0576 or 625-0257.

East Coast Airways Takes to Cape Breton's Sky

Potential Good news for the tourism industry. East Coast Airways officially launched in Sydney yesterday. The regional carrier will fly passengers to and from Halifax three times daily year round. It’s first flight out of J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydeny Airport was on Monday. With competitive pricing it is an additional travel route for visitors coming to Cape Breton.
Each flight is estimated to take between 50 to 55 minutes. The airline also offers direct flights to Halifax from Yarmouth, Saint John, and Charlottetown. The carrier will service the Maritimes with about 20 flights a day using five 19-passenger airplanes.

Christmas Parade Set for December 4th

North Sydney is setting the stage for the Christmas season with its Annual Nightime Christmas Parade. Saturday's parade is a joint venture between the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department, Bartown Community Festival Society and Cape Breton Regional Municipality Recreation Department. The parade will begin at 6:30pm with the line up of floats on Blowers Street and continue up Pierce to Regent Street and to Commercial Street and will reach its conclusion at the Fire Station, where the official tree lighting ceremong will take place following the parade.
The organizers of the parade invite everyone to come out to the Fire Station for hot chocolate and treats with jolly old St. Nick following the tree lighting ceremony. During the festivities awards will be presented for the best decorated floats. Canada Post will also be on hand at the event to make a special mail pickup for all the letters children have for Santa.

Holiday Tour and Tea

During the holiday season I love to take in the Holiday Tours, and on December 5th The Strait Area community Curling club is sponsoring just such an event. The Holiday Tour includes a visit to the Historic Church of Saint David's decked out in the Victorian Period. While at the Church, guests will be entertained with the delightful sounds of St. Joseph's Children's Choir and at 3pm the Inverness County Gaelic Choir will perform seasonal favourites. The tour will also include tours of six other Port Hawkesbury homes trimmed for the Christmas season. Guests will view art and meet the artisans, see wonderful collections of paintings, turnings, wooden ships and Santas etc. Visitors will enjoy a wonderful Tea and goodies as well there will be live entertainment provided by the Strait Area Curling Club to round out the festivities. Tickets are $15.00 and they can be obrained at the Lotto Booth at the Port Hawkesbury Centre and at the Civic Centre Box Office or by calling 625-0609, 625-0576 or 625-0257. The homes that will be open for the tour are 317 Prince Street, 25 Philpott Street, 213 Philpott Street, 419 Bernard sTreet and 62 Oak Crescent, as well as Saint David's Church. I would definitely recommend taking in this festive activity to get you into the Christmas spirit, hope to see you there.