Tourism in Richmond County

The next few months will be very busy for our tourism associations and organizations as they prepare for the upcoming tourism season. Representatives of the tourism industry will be attending a number of travel shows with the intention of drawing visitors to our area. One of the shows that Cape Breton tourism operators are targeting for their share of the tourism dollar are the Travel and Vacation Show in Ottawa at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park on April 2nd and 3rd. This show will have exhibitors from 40 countries and approximately 160 travel exhibits where visitors can compare prices, attend information seminars and view tourism demonstrations and entertainment from around the world. Destination Cape Breton Association will be there to promote Cape Breton Island, as part of the Nova Scotia Tourism contingent.

Another major marketing venue that Destination Cape Breton Association will be attending to attract visitors to Cape Breton is the Saltscapes East Coast Expo taking place at Exhibition Park in Halifax April 29th to May 1st. This is the 7th year that I will be representing DCBA at the Saltscapes Expo, which will have approximately 400 unique exhibitors providing more than 100 presentations and demonstrations, offering visitors the opportunity to gain awarness of the many experiences that this spectacular part of the world has to offer its visitors. The Expo will highlight everything from the Unique Retail section to Savour the Flavour of Atlantic Canada to sample our culture, music and travel, as well as what's new with cottage and garden and healty living. The show has something of interest for everyone. Atlantic Canada is a very important tourism market as a high percentage of visitors travelling to our area come from the Atlantic Provinces.

Also there have been some new developments concerning tourism in Richmond County. On March 23rd, there was an open house held at the A MacDonald Country Inn in St. Peter's, hosted by the Municipality of the County of Richmond to unveil their new tourism plan. Richmond County's Chief Administrative Officer Warren Olsen, addressed those in attendance and gave some insight on the evenings agenda and expressed enthusiasm and support for the tourism project that the county intends to undertake. Olsen then introduced Richmond County's Economic Development Manager Jeff Stanley and Tourism Coordinator Charlene Marshall (former Partnership Coordinator for Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative). Marshall and Stanley informed tourism operators from the area, as well as members of Destination Cape Breton Association and the media, of the new direction in which the County intends to take tourism. No longer will Richmond be associated with the brand of the Cape Breton Heritage Coast, which was the tourism brand for Destination Richmond. Tourism now will be looking to create a greater interest in the area's outdoor activities. To expand tourist's awareness of Richmond County's beautiful beaches and coastline to activities such as kayaking, paddling and golfing and to expand on the already very successful surf program at Point Michaud Beach. Stanley explaned to all in attendance that he hopes to extend the fall shoulder season in tourism, by developing new events for the period leading up to Celtic Colours and hopefully beyond. This would be done by developing events such as a more robust Surf Classic, and creating a brand new paddling competition, and an ATV Rally which would draw people in from outlying areas to take part. Combining these new ventures with a musical element could possibly extend these events from a two day stay in the area to three or four day stays, which would increase nightly room rentals and merchandise sales in the county. Stanley also spoke on the prospect of having tourism operators do more partnering to broaden the experience for the visitors. For example, an accommodation could partner with a sailing cruise to offer the visitor a greater experence during their stay. They are hoping to develop more experiential tourism in the county which will also offer the visitor an opportunity to take part in local activities, such as sheep shearing at a local sheep farm or take part in a tour and information session on Isle Madame's lighthouses and the rich history of the fishing industry. Marshall introduced a new marketing piece in the form of a DVD, presentating images of the beautiful scenery and activities from around Richmond, combined with the music of Richmond native Cyril MacPhee.
Stanley and Marshall drew attention to Nova Scotia's Department of Tourism's stats for nightly room rental of inspected accommodations, which indicated that Richmond's share of the tourism market had declined over the last few years. He indicated that with the new direction which they intended to take tourism, they hoped to increase these numbers by 2015 and extend the tourism season longer than it is at the present time, which would also increase revenue.
The open house extended the opportunity for members of Richmonds Tourism industry to get a glimpse at where their industry is heading, as well as the opportunity to do some networking over a glass of wine, and enjoy live entertainment provided by Richmond's own Cyril MacPhee.

Until next week, enjoy your time in Richmond.

Aloha to Summer at Ski Ben Eoin

Ski Ben Eoin organizers are pulling out all the stops for a fun filled finale to the season. Come on out for the last weekend of sking with lift tickets and rentals offered at 2 for one all day long. Enjoy the Aloha Party, Downhill Dummy, and Slush Bowl Races taking place on Sunday, March 27th. These great events run all day long, to add to the fun deck yourself out in your best Aloha custume as custumes are encouraged. The ski hill opens at 9am with the BBQ on the deck starting at 11am. Radio station GIANT will be on site to entertain.
The Downhill Dummy Race begins at 1pm. Let your imagination run wild and come up with a unique downhill dummy. At this annual event you bring your own dummy and send it down the hill to win gold! Specifications for your Dummy are: maximum height 6 feet - minimum height 3 feet - maximum weight 50lbs - no wider than 3ft. The dummy must be securely attached to either skis or snowboards to enter the race, which takes place on the lower section of the Whiskey Jack Jay Run.
Starting at 2pm take part in the Slush Bowl Race and prepare to get wet!! Registration fee is $5.00. Restriction for the race has the event open to ages 11 and up but under anyone under 18 years of age must have a signed waiver by a parent to take part. Aloha!

View of Richmond

The next few months will be very busy for our tourism associations and organizations as they prepare for the upcoming tourism season. Representatives of the tourism industry will be attending a number of travel shows with the intention of drawing visitors to our area. One of the shows that Cape Breton tourism operators are targeting for their share of the tourism dollar are the Travel and Vacation Show in Ottawa at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park on April 2nd and 3rd. This show will have exhibitors from 40 countries and approximately 160 travel exhibits where visitors can compare prices, attend information seminars and take tourism demonstrations and entertainment from around the world. Destination Cape Breton Association will be there to promote Cape Breton Island, as part of the Nova Scotia Tourism contingency.

Another major marketing venue that Destination Cape Breton Association will be attending to attract visitors to Cape Breton is the Saltscapes East Coast Expo taking place at Exhibition Park in Halifax April 29th to May 1st. This is the 7th year that I will be representing DCBA at the Saltscapes Expo, which will have approximately 400 unique exhibitors providing more than 100 presentations and demonstrations, offering visitors the opportunity to gain awarness of the many experiences that this spectacular part of the world has to offer its visitors. The Expo will highlight everything from the Unique Retail section to Savour the Flavour of Atlantic Canada to sample our culture, music and travel, as well as what's new with cottage and garden and healty living. The show has something of interest for everyone. Atlantic Canada is a very important tourism market as a high percentage of visitors travelling to our area come from the Atlantic Provinces.

On the entertainment scene: There will be a yard sale, bake sale and chinese auction held at the St. Peter's Lions Hall in St. Peters on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday March 28th, starting at 9am. This event is a fundraiser for Dorothy's Pets in Need. Dorothy's Pets in Need is a non profit entity, located in River Bourgeois, which provides shelter and food for abandoned animals.

New Direction for Tourism in Richmond County

Charlene Marshall addresses tourism operators at the A MacDonald Country Inn
Tourism operators paid close attention to the new plan

Yesterday evening I attended an open house at the A MacDonald Country Inn in St. Peter's, hosted by the Municipality of the County of Richmond to unveil their new tourism plan. Richmond County's Chief Administrative Officer Warren Olsen, addressed those in attendance and gave some insight on the evenings agenda and expressed enthusiasm and support for the tourism project that the county intends to undertake. Olsen then introduced Richmond County's Economic Development Manager Jeff Stanley and Tourism Coordinator Charlene Marshall (former Partnership Coordinator for Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative). Marshall and Stanley informed tourism operators from the area, as well as members of Destination Cape Breton Association and the media, of the new direction in which the County intends to take tourism. No longer will Richmond be associated with the brand of the Cape Breton Heritage Coast, which was the tourism brand for Destination Richmond. Tourism now will be looking to create a greater interest in the area's outdoor activities. To expand tourist's awareness of Richmond County's beautiful beaches and coastline to activities such as kayaking, paddling and golfing and to expand on the already very successful surf program at Point Michaud Beach. Stanley explaned to all in attendance that he hopes to extend the fall shoulder season in tourism, by developing new events for the period leading up to Celtic Colours and hopefully beyond. This would be done by developing events such as a more robust Surf Classic, and creating a brand new paddling competition, and an ATV Rally which would draw people in from outlying areas to take part. Combining these new ventures with a musical element could possibly extend these events from a two day stay in the area to three or four day stays, which would increase nightly room rentals and merchandise sales in the county. Stanley also spoke on the prospect of having tourism operators do more partnering to broaden the experience for the visitors. For example, an accommodation could partner with a sailing cruise to offer the visitor a greater experence during their stay. They are hoping to develop more experiential tourism in the county which will also offer the visitor an opportunity to take part in local activities, such as sheep shearing at a local sheep farm or take part in a tour and information session on Isle Madame's lighthouses and the rich history of the fishing industry. Marshall introduced a new marketing piece in the form of a DVD, presentating images of the beautiful scenery and activities from around Richmond, combined with the music of Richmond native Cyril MacPhee.
Stanley and Marshall drew attention to Nova Scotia's Department of Tourism's stats for nightly room rental of inspected accommodations, which indicated that Richmond's share of the tourism market had declined over the last few years. He indicated that with the new direction which they intended to take tourism, they hoped to increase these numbers by 2015 and extend the tourism season longer than it is at the present time, which would also increase revenue.
It was an interesting evening where members of Richmonds Tourism industry got a glimpse at where their industry is heading, as well as the opportunity to do some networking over a glass of wine.

Tourism in Richmond County

The countdown is on. Just a few more days and Spring will officially be here. But by the look of the weather we have been having it has already started and none to soon for my liking. The weather will soon be nice enough for people to start using the hiking trails and to do some beachcombing. I was told that the first part of Spring is the best time for beachcombing, if you are looking for beach glass. This seems to be a very populal activity these days. Every year we get more and more people stopping in at the Visitor Information Centre asking where the best spots are to find beach glass. It is apparently amazing what you can find, with everything the storms over the winter have delivered onto the beaches. If you enjoy this activity, happy hunting for all those beautiful colored pieces of glass that the waves have provided.

It is also a very busy time for our tourism associations and organizations as they prepare for the upcoming tourism season. The tourism industry will be attending a number of travel shows with the intention of drawing visitors to our area. One of the shows that Cape Breton tourism operators are targeting for their share of the tourism dollar are the Travel and Vacation Show in Ottawa at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park on April 2nd and 3rd. This show will have exhibitors from 40 countries and approximately 160 travel exhibits where visitors can compare prices, ask questions, attend information seminars and take in cooking demonstrations and live entertainment from around the world. Destination Cape Breton Association will be there to promote Cape Breton Island and all we have to offer as a travel destination to the visitors, as part of the Nova Scotia Tourism contingency.

Another major marketing venue that we will be attending to attract visitors to Cape Breton is the Saltscapes East Coast Expo taking place at Exhibition Park in Halifax April 29th to May 1st. This is the 7th year that we will be attending the Saltscapes Expo, which will have approximately 400 unique exhibitors providing more than 100 presentations and demonstration, offering visitors the opportunity to gain awarness of the many experiences that this spectacular part of the world has to offer its visitors. The Expo will highlight everything from the Unique Retail section to Savour the Flavour of Atlantic Canada to sample our culture, music and travel, as well as what's new with cottage and garden and healty living. The show has something of interest for everyone. Atlantic Canada is a very important tourism market as a high percentage of visitors travelling to our area come from the Atlantic Provinces.

On the local scene the Village on The Canal Association (VOCA), will have a booth at the Strait Area Chamber Business & Leisure show on May 13-15th at Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre. VOCA representives will promote St. Peter's shopping, events and attractions. The Historic Village has so much to offer as a vacation spot; offering visitors a peacefull location to spend their vacation, great shops to visit, local entertainment and festivals and lots of activities from visiting museums, to kayaking, hiking, swiming, surfing and beach combing, to sailing tours on the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes and great camping and a wide variety of accommodations. All which we want to share with our visitors. It looks like it is gearing up to be another promising season.

On the entertainment scene: On March 24th, there will be Internet Games held at the La Picasse C@p Site, room 131 at 6:30pm. Come have fun with Tyson Pierce and try to win some prizes, for more information call 1-902-226-3803.

Until next week, enjoy this beautiful mild weather.

Lecture on Strategic Leadership

Night of Fine Wine Tasting at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design

If you are a conniseur of fine wine, you will definitely want to check out this information from the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design. Sounds like it will be a lot of fun. Great wines, tasty treats and a great time to experience some of Galloping Cows fine spreads, spreads sampled by the stars. So mark March 26th on your calendar and call for your ticket, they are sure to go fast.

Stems & Legs - Night of Fine Wine Tasting at Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design

The Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is pleased to present a night of fine wine tasting with Halifax's premier wine shop, Bishop's Cellar. The event will take place Saturday, March 26th from 7 to 10pm.

You will enjoy sampling 15 fine wines from around the world, with tasting notes from Sommelier Erin Horton and enjoy gourmet canapés from Kiju's. The evening will also feature specialty spreads from Galloping Cows Fine Foods.
There will also be a silent auction for two specially designed one of a kind Michique Designer Handbags titled 'Vino.'

Tickets for Stems & Legs are $50 per ticket and can be purchased by contact Bethany at 539.7491 ext. 116 or by email bethany@capebretoncraft.com.

Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design
322 Charlotte Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
902.539.7491
www.capebretoncraft.com

Dorothy's Pets in Need Fundraiser to Take Place at Lions Hall

On Saturday, March 26th and Sunday March 27th there will be a fundraiser for Dorothy's Pets in Need, a non-profit group operating out of River Bourgeois. The Fundraiser which includes a yard sale, bake sale and Chinese auction will begin on Saturday at 9am and run throughout the day and again on Sunday, and takes place at the St. Peter's Lions Hall in St. Peter's. Winners of the Chinese Auction will be contacted on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to help an organization that helps care for abandoned animals until homes can be found. Remember to solve the problem of unwanted pets, please have your pets spayed or neutered.

Jerry Giorno Cup Race Results

Results are in and we are able to announce the winners of last weekends Jerry Giorno Cup Race held at Ski Ben Eoin. Congratulations to all the winners in their divisions for some great times on the slopes.

K-1 Female division winners were: Bronze-Chiara Knee - Wentworth. Silver-Cathrine Freeman - Martock. Gold-Marissa Arsenault - Crab.
K-1 Male division winners were: Bronze-Camden Sutherland - Crab. Silver-Cameron MacKay - PEI. Gold-MacKenzie Carr - Martock.

K-2 Female division winners were: Bronze- Wilhemina Teaque - Crab. Silver-Dianna Mason - Wentworth. Gold-Emily Carter - Wentworth.
K-2 Male division winners were: Bronze-Michael Raoul - Best(Ben Eoin). Silver-Colin Carter - Wentworth. Gold-Willem Slaunwhite - PEI.

J-1 Female division winners were: Bronze- Anna MacRae - Martock. Silver-Sarah Bryne -Wentworth. Gold-Cathleen Trafton - Crab.
J-1 Male division winners were: Bronze- Josh Toombes - PEI. Silver-Nick Harvery -Martock. Gold-Christopher Hardy - Wentworth.

J-2 Female division winners were: Bronze-Emily Pelley - Marble. Silver-Sarah Hoyt -Wentworth. Gold-Jessie Byrne - Wentworth.
J-2 Male division winners were: Bronze- Michael Byrne - Poley. Silver-Jackson Slaunwhite - PEI. Gold-Michael Hardy - Wentworth.

St. Patrick's Day at Ski Ben Eoin

Ski Ben Eoin will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day with an evening party in the Pub from 8:30pm until 12am. Join in the fun as Black Tooth Grin takes to the stage. Specialty of the Day will be Corn Beef and Cabbage. At last report the hill will be open at 1pm. The afternoon music from 3-6pm in the pub is cancelled today. For updates call 1-902-828-2222.

A Taste of Old Ireland

Top of the Morning to you! I hope you are all enjoying St. Patrick's Day. Being of Irish descent I like to serve traditional Irish dishes on the 17th. So today I am making my family a batch of Potato Pancakes or Boxty as they are called back in Ireland. Boxty, which means "poor house Bread", is a dish mostly associated with the north midlands, north Connacht and southern Ulster, in particular the counties of Mayo, Sligo, Fermanuagh, Longford, Leitrim and Cavan and Donegal (where the Boxty is also called poundy or poundies. So I want to share with you the recipe I will be using. 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup mashed potatoes, 1 cup finely grated raw potato ( I minced mine in the food processor), 2 eggs, 1/3 cup of buttermilk and 1 tbsp of butter. Mix baking powder and salt into a bowl, blend in mashed cooked potatoes, add the raw potatoes (strain the raw potato mixture to get as much of the moisture out as possible), add the eggs (well beaten) and just enough milk to make a thick batter. In a skillet, melt butter, drop batter by tablespoon into pan. Press down to flatten and cook until golden brown on each side. And enjoy! Of course I will also be serving up a pot of steaming hot Corn Beef and Cabbage as well being it is my husbands favorite dish on St. Patrick's Day.

Misty Cat Sets Sail This Summer

If you are coming to Cape Breton Island this summer and want to experience the excitement of sailing on the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes, I have just the information you are looking for. Cape Breton Sailing Charters will be operating out of the St. Peter's Marina again this summer. They will be booking day sailing charters aboard the Misty Cat. They have several types of charters available to suit your needs.

-you can book one of our scheduled tours and join up to 6 guests total, for a day of sailing.
-you can do a private charter, and book the boat with captain Greg Silvers, for a party of up to 6 passengers. This is ideal for business meetings, family celebrations, and offer superb catering from the kitchens of the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn.
-on several special weekends, they offer a regatta charter, where up to 3 guests can become a member of our racing crew for a day, and participate in the pre-race, race, and post race activities.

For more information on the charters visit their web site at http://www.capebretonsailing.com

Wallace MacAskill Yacht Club Social and Dinner

Attention to all Wallace MacAskill Yacht Club Members and friends. This information has just come to my desk from the Club's past Commodore Greg Silvers and I wanted to get it out to all interested parties.


Hello Members and Friends
Jim Howell, who is coordinating our Yacht Club Social and Dinner next Saturday evening has asked me to post you this reminder, and an update on the menu choices. It's shaping up to be a great evening: RSVPs for your attendance should be directed to Jim Howell by email to: beatrixhowell@yahoo.ca, or phone: (902) 535-2508. You need only RSVP if you are attending.

The Yacht Club Social and Dinner will take place on Saturday, March 19, at 6 pm
at the MacDonald Country Inn on Pepperell Street in St.Peter's.

Menu Choices for the event are as follows:
Appetizers: Bruschetta, or Seafood Chowder, or Soup of the Day, or Mandarin Salad

Entrees: Haddock Filet or Haddock au Maison, or Turkey Dinner, or Chicken Alfredo or Beef Stir-fry

Presentation:
By Bob and Cathy Groves of SV Easy-Go - long time, long distance cruisers on: Top 10 Questions about Cruising
This presentation will be equally entertaining, interesting and informative for sailors and power boaters.
Slide Show: A special request to all of you.
We will run a loop of slides from all you folks, to remind us of summer time afloat. Please send jpg files of your favourite sailing photos to me by email:
gsilver@cdg.ns.ca.
I'd prefer if you'd zip your image files into an archive file (eg. .zip) to make the file transfer easier, and give it a name including your own so I know where they come from. Please get your images to me by Thursday March 17 if possible. If your file is bigger than about 5 megabytes, I suggest using YOUSENDIT.COM for the file transfer rather than email attachment. Call me if you have any questions!

Hope to see you there!!!!
Best regards,
Greg Silver
Past Commodore


Greg Silver Graphic Design
Gregory Silver, B Des, CGD, FGDC

PO Box 178
St. Peter's, Nova Scotia
Canada B0E 3B0

Office 902 535 3990
Cel: 902 631 5050

gsilver@cdg.ns.ca

2nd Day of Racing at Ben Eoin

The second exciting day of the Nova Scotia Cup Race (Jerry Giorno Cup Race) is under way at Ski Ben Eoin today. Conditions are perfect, skiers have already completed the first race of the day and are gearing up for the second and final race which will take place shortly. Announcement of winners will take place later this afternoon.
Conditions for cross country sking and snow shoeing are perfect as well, so feel free to drop by and watch the race and cheer on the skiers or take in the other events. Its a perfect day to be on the hill in Ben Eoin.

Jerry Giorno Cup Race Today

The Ben Eoin Ski Resort is the place to be today March 12th and 13th to take in the Nova Scotia Cup Race also known as the Jerry Giorno Cup Race. 120 skiers are scheduled to take part in the down hill race. This two day event will challenge skiers to do their best and achieve the fastest time as they descend the Eagle run. The public is encouraged to come out and cheer on the skiers in this event, run in honor of one of Ben Eoin's own citizens Jerry Giorno. Jerry, a major part of the Ben Eoin community, was a dedicated parent of two skiers from the area. He passed away at an early age from diabetes. Both his children will be volunteers at the race.

The conditions are a little soggy at the moment but the racers are out and people are already gathering for the event. Organizers are watching the weather conditions to see if the race might have to be pushed to a back to back format. Cyrcil MacPhee will be on hand this afternoon to entertain in the Pub so it should be a fun-filled day of events at the hill.

View of Richmond

Archery, the sport which has been in existence since ancient times and once considered a sport of kings and knights, is considered a more brain than brawn sport. Usually we think of William Tell who shot the apple off of his son's head or Robin Hood who outwitted the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and was a folk hero of the poor. Archery is again gaining popularity as a sport promoted by local schools as a great aid to learning; it builds concentration even more so than the physical aspect of the sport. Abiltiy in the sport is reported to be 90% mental and 10% physical in its demands on the individual. Within driving distance of Richmond County, the Riverview Archery Club in West Bay has been in operation for 10 years. Their membership runs around 12 regular members, but new members are welcomed to join. The club uses 3D imagery for its targets, where members go out into the field and learn the sport of hunting. There is a point system and at the end of the event scores are tabulated and a winner announced. The event is set up in a very safe course envirorment and under club supervision so that members of all ages can enjoy the sport. The club has regular events and a weekly Sunday evening event open to the public from January through April. During the summer months members are usually busy taking in scheduled Archery Shoots held at the different Archery Clubs around the province.
Every Sunday the club invites anyone interested in learning the art of archery to join them at the West Bay Road Fire Hall from 6pm until 8pm, to learn first hand about this magnificent sport. During this event individuals use standard stationary targets. For beginners who do not have their own equipment, the club does have some on hand. On February 20th, the County Line 4-H Club joined archery instructors and had a great time, as they were shown the parts of a bow and arrow, given the basic points of archery and instructed in how to shoot an arrow. By the end of the evening 4-H members, who had never held a bow before, were taking aim and hitting the target. The fee for the next Sunday event, March 13, is $2.00 for adults and children can attend free of charge. For more information on the Club and events contact Wayne Wyre at 1-902-625-1405.

TIANS Upcoming Events

I have received some information to share with the Tourism industry members from TIANS on a couple of events that you may want to attend in April and May.

TIANS Social Media Workshop:
The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia will be hosting social media workshops this spring facilitated by Kerri Ann MacDougall of Insight Marketing.
The sessions will include intermediate level training on how to outline and meet your own objectives, how to develop engaging and manageable strategies, and how to bring your brand personality to life.

The workshops will take place in Sydney on April 13, Digby on May 4 and Halifax on May 5 and are sponsored by the department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (ERDT), the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS), Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Tourism Technology.
For more information please contact Linda Jones at 800-948-4267 or by email at information_central@tians.org.


The upcoming (TIANS)Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia's Annual General Meeting (AGM), will take place this year on May 26th and 27th at the Dundee Resort in Richmond County.

Industry events will include a social media workshop, networking reception and industry presentations. To register, please contact Linda Jones at 902-423-4480.

Tourism in Richmond County

Archery is a very traditional sport from ancient times; a sport of kings and knights. Usually we think of William Tell who shot the apple of off his sons head or Robin Hood who outwitted the Sheriff of Nottingham and was a folk hero of the poor. Archery is again gaining popularity as a sport promoted by local schools as a great aid to learning, as it builds concentration even more so than the physical aspect of the sport. Abiltiy in the sport is reported to be 90% mental and 10% physical in its demands on the individual.
The Riverview Archery Club in West Bay has been in operation for 10 years. Their membership runs around 12 regular members, but new members are welcomed to join.
The club uses 3 D imagery for its targets, where members go out into the field, and learn the sport of hunting. This is a point system and at the end of the event scores are tabulated and a winner announced. The event is set up in a very safe course envirorment and under club supervision so that members of all ages can enjoy the sport.
The club has regular events and a weekly Sunday evening event open to the public from January through April. During the summer months members are usually busy taking in scheduled Archery Shoots held at the different Archery Clubs around the province.
Every Sunday the club invites anyone interested in learning the art of archery to join them at the West Bay Road Fire Hall from 6pm until 8pm, to learn first hand about this magnificent sport. During this event individuals use standard stationary targets. For beginners who do not have their own equipment, the club does have some on hand. On February 20th, the County Line 4-H Club joined archery instructors and had a great time, as they were shown the parts of a bow and arrow, given the basic points of archery and instructed in how to shoot an arrow. By the end of the evening 4-H members who had never held a bow before were taking aim and hitting the target. The fee for the next Sunday event, March 13, is $2.00 for adults and children can attend free of charge. For more information on the Club and events contact Wayne Wyre at 1-902-625-1405.

Also on March 13th, there will be a St. Patrick's Day Tea and Sale held at the St. Peter's Lions Hall in St. Peter's starting at 2pm. Come and enjoy a great lunch and take in the craft, fudge and baked goods tables. Admission is a good will offering at the door. (Storm date: March 27th.)
On March 19th, A Fun Trivia and Pub Night will be held at the Tara Lynne Centre in River Bourgeois starting at 7pm. Put on your thinking cap and bring along your team.
There will also be a St. Patrick's Day Adult Dance held at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River on March 19th. Music by the Pub Boys, tickets will be on sale at the door. On March 20th there will be a Community Breakfast from 9am-12noon held at the St. Georges Channel Community Hall. There will also be a St. Patrick's Day Concert at the Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville at 2pm.

Until next week, take care on the highways.

Bicycle Touring Presentation by Velo Cape Breton

Information has reached my desk on an information session on Bicycle Touring by Jacques Cote of Velo Cape Breton, and I wanted to pass it along to all cycle enthusiasts.

There will be a Bicycle Touring Presentation on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00pm at the McConnell Library at 50 Falmouth Street in Sydney.
If you find your holidays are getting more and more expensive, and less and less exciting, then active holidays are for you! Take on a bicycle tour to explore the world at your own pace, stimulate your senses, meet enthusiastic people, discover new cultures and customs, and most of all discover yourself. Jacques Cote of Velo Cape Breton will introduce you to the ideas behind bicycle touring and answer questions on preparing for a tour, equipment needed, cost, etc. The presentation will also include a slideshow of a recent tour in New Zealand. For information or to register, visit the McConnell Library or call 562-3161 for the March 8th session, or visit the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library, Commerial St, North Sydney, or call them at 794-3272 for the March 10th session. Everyone welcome! All Library Programs are Free.
Velo Cape Breton is the Island wide voice of cyclists, working for better cycling in our great Island.

Melissa Etheridge Rocks Cape Breton Tonight

Melissa Etheridge is set to embark on a Canadian Tour in early 2011 in support of her latest album, Fearless Love. The album has struck a momentous chord around the world, including a top 10 debut on the Billboard Top 200 US album chart.
Grammy Award winner Etheridge will be joined on the tour by special guest, 3 time Juno Award winner, Serena Ryder. Currently working on her follow up to her previous gold-selling records, If Your Memory Serves You Well and is it o.k.
Showtime is 8:00pm tonight with tickets priced at $85.50 including taxes and service charge.

Jake's Gift at Strathspey Place on Friday

Jake’s Gift is a drama about a Canadian World War II veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion. While revisiting the beach he landed on sixty years earlier, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village whose inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts – most notably the war-time death of his eldest brother, Chester, a once promising young musician.

Since 2007, Jake’s Gift has gone on to play at festivals and theatres across the country. The play was written by and stars Julia Mackey, who was born in Birmingham, England and moved to Canada when she was three years old. She grew up in Montreal, and received an education degree from McGill University before heading west in 1993 to pursue acting and writing.

Showtime is 8:00pm Friday night with Regular Tickets priced at $18.75 and Member Tickets at $15.

Philosophy Café at the Cape Breton University

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Cape Breton University launched its Philosophy Café on Friday, November 12 from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at The Pit Lounge. The Café takes place every second week and is open to the general public as well as the university community. “Topics tend to be topical, so some issue of current interest which has a philosophical, moral or social dimension,” said Dr. Andrew Reynolds, Associate Professor of Philosophy, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Cape Breton University. “But more traditional topics may also be dealt with, for example capitalism vs. socialism as the appropriate economic model for society.” Stephen Hawking has recently claimed that science can account for why the universe exists without recourse to the notion of God, leading some to ask: Are Science and Religion Compatible or Essentially at Odds? This discussion will be led by Dr. Andrew Reynolds on Friday, March 4 at 2:30PM – 4:00PM at 1250 Grand Lake Road in Sydney.

"Ideas: Powered by Passion" at Cape Breton Centre for Crafts and Design

On Wednesday March 2nd from 7pm to 9pm, Steve Lilley, innovator and entrepreneur, will be guest speaker at "IDEAS: Powered by Passion” being held at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design at 332 Charlotte Street, Sydney.

Albert Lionais from the Cape Breton Music Industry Co-operative will open the evening event as he shares his passion for his work as he strives to create an internationally recognized Cape breton music industry that is sustainable both economically and culturally.

During the evening guests will have the pleasure of being entertained by Singer-songwriter, Carmel Mikol. Mikol whose entertainment style includes references to the personal, the political, beat poets and folk troubadours will share some insight into her craft.

Next on the docket will be guest speaker Steve Lilley. Lilley, who embraces the culture and life style of Cape Breton, is President of Protocase, a technologically innovative company whose goal is to create an environment that will stimulate our bright and ambitious young people to complete their education and pursue careers in Nova Scotia, preferably right here in Cape Breton. In his discussion he will share his passion for his ideas in business.

After a sure to be interesting question and answer period, activities will move to Governors Pub. Here conversation and ideas will continue between the audience and the evenings addressees. What a great way to share the knowledge and passion of our industry leaders.

"IDEAS: Powered by Passion", which is in its second season, is about encouraging new thinking through speech and music. The series takes place every 4-6 weeks in Sydney, at the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design. So come out and be inspired by Cape Breton community members who will share their passionate ideas and projects. To learn more about "Ideas: Powered by Passion", or to be added to their email list, go to http://newdawn.ca/special-projects/ideas-powered-by-passion/

Tourism in Richmond County

February definitely gave us a taste of what a nasty winter can be like, but with March finally here, hopefully the weather will improve. But whatever the weather might be, there are lots of activities planned for the Richmond County and the surrounding areas. On March 2nd, the monthly meeting of The Port Hastings Historical Society will take place at 7pm at the Provfessional Centre at 609 Church Street in Port Hawkesbury. Everyone is welcome.

On March 5th, there will be a dance/fundraiser for the Isle Madame Small Option society, featuring the music of Bittersweet. The event will run from 9pm until 1am at the DÉscousse Civic Hall. There will be prizes throughout the night and a 1/2 and 1/2 tickets will be sold. All proceeds going toward the Field trips ans special items.
A Fundraiser will be held on Saturday March 5th for Dean Samson. The event will be held at the Little Anse Social Action Centre starting at 12pm. There will be local music, a bake sale, silent auction, and tickets will be sold on a basket. As well there will be corn chowder, seafood chowder and chilli. Dean contracted rheumatic fever at the age of 13 and had a relapse at age 16. His aortic valve was replaced 8 years ago and in October 2010 his mitral valve was replaced, but resulted in a stroke while in surgery! Dean has no means of income while waiting for disability insurance which could take as long as 10 months. Dean's parents are George and Elizabeth Samson of Little Anse. for more information, please call 1-902-226-3121. All donations are accepted, come out and support a great cause.

On March 6th, the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower river will be hosting it's Merchandise Bingo starting at 2pm. There will be a 1/2 and 1/2 Money Bingo held at the Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville at 2pm on March 6th. Also on the 6th, there will also be a Merchandise Bingo held at the Tara Lynne Center in River Bourgeois starting at 2pm. A Community Breakfast will be held on March 6th at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 150) in Isle Madame. This delicious homestyle breakfast will run between 8am and 11am.

For those who enjoy the outdoor activities, the weather is still here for the avid snowmobilers and ATV riders. Those who like to get out and enjoy a day crossing the fields on snowshoes still have time to get out and enjoy the cool crisp air. Skating is a great form of exercise and enjoyment to those of all ages. On Tuesday afternoons, the Richmond Arena hosts an afterschool student skate. For the low cost of $1.00 your child can enjoy an hour of great recreation. The skate runs from 3-4pm. There is also Family Skate held at the Arena on Sunday afternoon from 3:30 until 5pm, if you would like more information on these events go to www.richmondcounty.ca and click on Richmond Arena.

Well until next week, have a great time exploring Richmond.

La Picasse Celebrates in March

March seems to be heating up with events in Richmond. This information has just arrived at my desk from Dora Samson-Boudreau of Centre La Picasse in Petit de Grat.


Voici les activités qui se passent pendant les Rendez-Vous de la Francophonie 2011.

SVP vérifier le calendrier d’activités sur notre site web au www.lapicasse.ca ou ramensez-vous une copie à La Picasse.
Pour plus d’informations appeler 226-0149. Merci.

Vendredi 4 mars Ouverture officielle - Les Rendez-Vous 2011 Université Sainte Anne 10h00

Vendredi 4 mars Ouverture officielle - Radio Richmond 104,1 FM
Radio Richmond 14h00

Dimanche 6 mars ‘Jouerie’ de cartes 45 – La Picasse Grande Salle
La Picasse 14h00

Lundi 7 mars Ouverture officielle - École Beau-Port
École Beau-Port 10h30

Lundi 7 mars Soirée de filme - Maison des Jeunes Salle 147
La Picasse 18h30

Mardi 8 mars Place aux femmes - L’Association des Femmes
Grande Salle – La Picasse 9h00

Mercredi 9 mars Portes ouvertes - École Beau-Port
École Beau-Port 10h00

Mercredi 9 mars Lunch acadien - Spaghetti etc – La Picasse Grande Salle – La Picasse 12h00

Mercredi 9 mars Beau-Port va GONG! – École Beau-Port École Beau-Port 13h00

Jeudi 10 mars Jeopardy - Site P@C de La Picasse
Site P@C - La Picasse 16h30

Jeudi 10 mars Concert de variété - École Beau-Port GRATUIT
École Beau-Port 18h30

Vendredi 11 mars Après midi amusante – École Beau-Port
École Beau-Port 13h00

Vendredi 11 mars Veillée acadienne – Festival Acadien de Petit de Grat
Foyer - La Picasse 19h00

Samedi 12 mars Mess de la Francophonie – Église St-Joseph
Église St-Joseph 16h00

Samedi 12 mars Coup de Cœur – La Picasse
Grande Salle – La Picasse 17h00

Lundi 14 mars Portes ouvertes - Site P@C de La Picasse
Salle 131 – La Picasse 13h00

Lundi 14 mars Présentation CCCFNE - L’Association des Femmes
Grande Salle – La Picasse 14h30

Mardi 15 mars Activités intergénérationnelle – Pirouette
Salle 102 – La Picasse 10h00

Mercredi 16 mars Lunch acadien - Assiettes froides etc – La Picasse
Grande Salle – La Picasse 12h00

Jeudi 17 mars Jeux des aînées -RANE
Grande Salle – La Picasse 13h00 Vendredi 18 mars Spectacle Daniel Goguen – La Picasse
Grande Salle – La Picasse 19h00

Samedi 19 mars L’heure de conte & bricolage – Bibliothèque Bibliothèque Régional 13h00

Dimanche 20 mars Émission Radio - Grands personnages Radio 104,1 FM
Radio Richmond CITU 104,1 FM 11h00

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Dora Samson-Boudreau
Assistante à la programmation
La Picasse, centre communautaire culturel
3435 Route 206 C. P. 70 Petit de Grat
Isle Madame, Nouvelle-Écosse B0E 2L0
Tél: 902-226-0149 Téléc: 902-226-0549
www.lapicasse.ca