2012 Celebrations Tonight from The Plaza Deck of The Civic Centre in Sydney

Don't be satisified to sit in front of your TV on December 31st and watch the crowds celebrate the start of the New Year in places like Halifax and NewFoundland or New York as the ball drops over Time Square to start 2012, but become part of the celebration. Come down to the Plaza Deck of the Civic Centre at 320 Esplanade in Sydney and join in the celebrations from 10:30pm to 12:30am. Everyone is welcome! It will be fun for the whole family with entertainment featuring The Sheldon Aucoin Band. The Cape Breton Cerebral Palsy Association will be on hand to serve up hot chocolate in the Community Round Room on the lower level at the Civic Centre.

View of Richmond

Christmas is over and we now look towards to 2012 and a year full of possibilities for the tourism season. Destination Cape Breton has been busy meeting with tourism operators and businesses to get their input in what they would like to see happen in the year ahead. The Association is carefully charting its course of action as to what direction it will take to market the island to its full potential as a travel destination to meet with the visitor’s expectations. It is clear from all the information that has been gathered that visitors will be looking for a destination that can meet their needs in areas of experiential tourism. It is imperative that the products that the island is offering as its signature experiences will accomplish the desired effect and keep visitors in the area longer, providing a favorable memory that visitors will relay to others. In countries which have worked to refine their signature experiences, to meet and exceed the visitors expectations their tourism market has shown an increase. With the wealth of natural beauty and culture that Cape Breton has to offer, it is reasonable to expect that the island can accomplish this as well.
With the New Year just hours away, there will be lots of celebrating taking place throughout the county as everyone welcomes in the new year, with events scheduled for December 31st. A New Year’s Dance will take place at the St. Peter`s Lions Hall in St. Peters, running from 10pm until 2am. There will be a hot and cold Buffet, and dance to the music of Barrett’s Privateers. For tickets contact Margaret Morrison at 535-3030, Ext. 222, Shirley MacKay at 587-2078, Treka Burke at 587-2991 or 535-3472. Mary Beth Buchanan at 535-2203 or 535-3379 or Michell Carter at 535-3201 or Paula Sampson at 587-2910. There will also be a New Year’s Dance at the West Bay Road Fire Hall from 10pm until 2am, with recorded music and finger food. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 will host a New Year’s Dance from 9pm until 1am with a buffet served up by Chef Jim George and music by Celtic Country, tickets are available at RCL Branch 43. There will also be a New Year’s celebration held at the Framboise Community Centre from 9pm until 2am, lunch provided, and music by DJ. For tickets contact Sarah at 884-2025.

New Year's Celebrations in Cape Breton

Additions to our New Year's Celebrations line up keep coming in. I have these additions to add for your enjoyment.

New Years Eve at the Englishtown Hall with the Jam Band and a buffet lunch/$10.00. Time-(10pm-2am).

New Year's Levee at Cabot Shores
Invitation to Annual New Year's Levee at Cabot Shores January 1, 2012, 3-6pm. Bring friends & family and some food/drink to share (BYOB)Bring walking shoes for a walk along Indian Brook (or snow shoes as the case may be. Bring a swim suit and towel for the second annual Polar Bear Swim - if you dare! RSVP with Barbara by 28. December: barbara@cabotshores.com, or call 902-929-2584.

Christmas at the Yorkes

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope that you are having a wonderful Christmas morning, and that Santa was good to you all. I must apologise for not having put up a lot of posts in December but I have been having computer problems and Samta has just brought a new lap top to my son so I will be able to update my posts more often. I am just in the process of making Christmas Dinner for my family who will be arriving shortly, so again Merry Christmas and have a wonderful day.

Tourism in Richmond County

Only 10 days left until the Big Day, and the rush is on. Stores are filled with shoppers, making sure they have the perfect gift for those on their gift list. In Richmond we are so fortunate to have a great selection of gift shops that can help take the stress out of the season. Everything from heirloom Christmas items from the Christmas Shoppe to specialty items at the local Boutiques and Craft and Gift shops; quality items made by local crafters can be found here in Richmond. So don't panic, there is still time to drop in at any of the beautiful shops around the county to find what you are looking for.

Even as the holidays draw near, there are still lots of events taking place to heighten your holiday spirits. One such event, which you will not want to miss will take place tonight, December 14th, at the St. Georges Channel Community Hall. Noel, A Christmas with J.P. Cormier and the Elliot Brothers will start at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20.00 and you get your tickets by calling 1-902-345-0616, or 1-902-345-2641. On December 18th, the St. Georges Channel Hall is busy again as it holds it very popular Country Breakfast from 9am until noon. And also on December 18th, there will be a Christmas Concert held at Our Lady's of Assumption / Notre Dame de L'Assomption Cathedral in Arichat at 2292, Hwy 206 at 2pm. A lunch of soup, sandwich, dessert, tea or coffee will be served following the concert.

At the Port Hawkesbury Civic Center, they have a special display taking place commemorating Christmas from year's past. Come and see some beautiful old toys and memorabilia. The showing will run during the holidays at the J Franklin Wright Room from 4pm until 10pm.

If you have not sent out your Christmas cards yet, you might like to pick up a pack of 6 beautiful Winter in Richmond County Note Cards, which feature the winning images from the 2011 Winterscapes photo contest. The cards are available at Jeantie's Mini-Mart, Shamrock Store, C & M Video, Home Hardware in St. Peter's, Fleur de Lis Store (Rockdale), the East Coast Credit Unions in Richmond County and St. Josephs Credit Union.

Until next week, have fun as you prepare for the upcoming holidays.

Tourism Operator Expands Operations in Richmond County

Working in tourism, one of the aspects of the work that I enjoy most is meeting operators that feel deeply about the industry and want to see it prosper and grow. Richmond is very fortunate to have operators that work very hard in making this happen. One such operator is Beate Haffold, owner/operator of the MacDonald Country Inn and Canal House B&B in St. Peter's. Ms. Haffold feels deeply that the industry in Richmond County and Cape Breton Island will continue to grow to such an extent that she continues to expand her tourism holdings in the county. Ms Haffold first opened the doors of the 5 room B&B in 2004, quickly gaining a strong clientele with the 4-Star rated accommodation and in 2009, Haffold and her partner purchased the MacDonald Hotel and remodeled the 1906 era accomodation and turned it into the modern up-to date 4-Star rated MacDonald Country Inn, offering guests 5 comfortable units with private baths, as well as 3 suites. The Inn, which runs year round, also has a full service restaurant, which operates daily during the tourism season and during the off season for private gatherings of 6 or more. In 2010 the partnership separated, dividing the properties with Ms Haffold taking over sold ownership of the Inn. She then expanded the business with the start of West Wind Cottage Rentals, which handles a year round rental service for cottages around the area. On November 1st, 2011, Ms Haffold again took control of the Canal House B&B through a purchasing agreement with her former partner, and runs the B&B from April to the first week of November.
Haffold feels strongly that there is a need in the area for up to date well ran accommodations which offer visitors the types of accommodations that best meet their needs; and with the diversity of her properties she can now meet these needs. Ms Haffold employs a staff of 8 very dedicated workers, including Chef Dillon Carter, who was part of this summer’s Right Some Good Food Event. Staff members work very closely with Ms Haffold to make sure that guests have an experience that will have them making return visits to the area. One new experience Ms Haffold plans to offer in 2012 is an OctoberFest, held prior Celtic Colours Event, offering entertainment, a dance and traditional German dishes. She hopes this will turn into an annual event for the area.

Bal du jour de l'An / New Year's Ball‏ at La Picasse in Petit de Grat

Looking for someplace special to go and celebrate the start of 2012. La Picasse is having a New Years Ball on December 31st and it should be loads of fun, so dust of your dancing shoes and get your tickets today. This information on the event has come to my desk from the office of La Picasse.

Il y aura une bal du jour de l’an le 31 décembre 2011 à La Picasse à 21h en partenarait avec la Radio Communautaire de Richmond CITU. Venez célébrer la nouvelle année avec vos ami(e)s. Il y aura un petit goûter & un verre de vin à minuit. La musique enregistrée bilingue jouera avec les belles tunes que vous écoutez au 104,1 FM. Billets à l’avance jusqu’au 23 décembre sont 15$ la personne. Après le 23 déc. les billets seront 20$ chacun. DES JEANS SONT INTERDITS. Venez avoir du fun avec nous en commençant l’année avec de la joie. New Year’s Ball at La Picasse in partnership with Radio Richmond CITU on December 31st from 9pm to 1 am. Come celebrate the New Year with us while eating finger foods and a free glass of wine at midnight. Bilingual music as you hear on 104,1 FM will be playing. Advanced tickets (before December 23rd ) are 15$ each and after December tickets will be 20$ each. NO JEANS ALLOWED. Help us bring in the New Year with Joy.

Noel-A Christmas with J.P. Cormier and The Elliot Brothers -Let the Holidays Begin!

Looking for some great entertainment leading up-to the holidays, I have an excellent event that will definitely fit the bill. Noel-A Christmas with J.P.Cormier and the Elliot Brothers will take place at the St. Georges Channel Hall in St. Georges Channel on December 14th, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20.00 and they can be obtained by calling 1-902-345-0616 or 1-902-345-2641. This is sure to be a great concert and what a way to kick off the holiday season.

6th annual Old Fashion Christmas Supper Rescheduled for Tonight

6th Annual Old Fashion Christmas Supper (with all the trimmings), which had to be rescheduled from last night will be held tonight - Friday - Dec. 9th - Starting at 4 pm - at the English Town Community Hall, charge $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children . Homemade pies & apple crisp -dessert.
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News from Commodore Greg of The Wallace MacAskill YC, St. Peter's, Cape Breton

I have just received some exciting news from Greg Silvers of The Wallace MacAskill Yacht Club, about an opportunity that may interest those of you who enjoy sailing and I want to pass it along.

Hello again all members and friends

Further to my messages in the past week or so about establishing an Yngling fleet in our area (St Peters, Isle Madame, Dundee, etc.) I wanted to let you know that I have received some early interest from a few people.

Regarding the idea that families could partner to co-own one of these fine little racing boats, Jeremy Hillyard has indicated he is interested in a half share - so if anyone else is so inclined, please let me or him know (DrJeremy.Hillyard@gasha.nshealth.ca).

I also have an expression of interest from one other sailor for a boat for his family, plus I am looking to purchase another one myself. So there's a potential of 3 already. There is a fleet of 8 boats available, on trailers, in Maine (pending further details and inspection, these are reportedly in very good condition except for sails).

Once again, to summarize the whole idea here:
- low cost, recently retired Olympic class keelboats are exciting to sail in fleet or match racing.

- it looks like a boat on trailer, in good condition, will cost in range of $3k. Sails may need to be replaced. The boats have to be hauled back from Maine. I have a quote in the works for fleet pricing on 'economy RB Stevens' class legal sail (main and jib)

- such a fleet would be a good step toward creating more actiitvity and more interest in sailing in our area. For example, we could get a weekly club race on a weekday evening going all summer - we could include the Y class in our own regattas, we could visit other local regattas and bring our class to their events....

- these boats are ideal for kids, and for seniors: very safe, positive flotation, exceptionally fast and stable, dry in 'friendly racing' conditions. Can be easily sailed solo (whitesail), or with crew of 1 or 2 more.

- very inexpensive to maintain (20.5' loa, on trailers, masts stepped by hand, etc.)

Gerry Gibson has confirmed we could easily set up a mooring field for a fleet of these boats at the Lions Marina.
So, I am keen to hear from any of you who have any interest!

We are looking to have a winter get-together, tentatively Jan 26 in St Peters, more info to come on that, and it may be a good time to see if this idea for a new racing fleet has any legs.

Happy holiday to you all,

Commodore Greg
Wallace MacAskill YC, St. Peter's, Cape Breton

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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
greg@gregsilver.ca

Tourism in Richmond County

Destination Cape Breton Association’s industry sessions are fast approaching! Thank you to all those who have registered, and a quick reminder to those that are interested in attending to please register at your earliest convenience. DCBA staff is eagerly awaiting this opportunity to hear all about your season and to answer any questions you may have regarding their recent contributions and successes. These sessions are excellent networking and brainstorming opportunities, so please do not hesitate to come out! Sessions take place as follows: December 7th Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre 10:00am, December 7th Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s 1:30pm, and December 9th the Delta in Sydney 10:00am.

With the Christmas season quickly approaching, we are always trying to find something different to give as gifts or send out to the people we care about during the holidays. I always look forward to going to the mail box and finding Christmas Cards from family and friends, it is such a heartwarming traditional way of keeping in touch with the people you care about over the holidays. If you are looking for a card that will also remind your friends of home, the St. Peter’s Community Club may have just the answer for you. The winning photos from the Community Clubs Photo Contest have been chosen and are now available as delightful winterscape cards. The Cards are $6 for a pack of six cards (one from each photographer) and 6 envelopes. This is a fundraising effort with all the proceeds donated to the Nicolas Denys Museum, in St. Peter’s. The cards are available at Jeantie's Mini-Mart, Shamrock Store, C & M Video, Home Hardware in St. Peter's, Fleur de Lis Store (Rockdale), the East Coast Credit Unions in Richmond County and St. Josephs Credit Union.

To help lessen the stress of Christmas shopping, Richmond County has some great shopping locations that will make picking that special gift item a lot easier. Some of Richmond's most sought after shopping spots are Glad Tidings the Christmas Shoppe in St. Peter’s, Lynn’s Flowers and Gifts, Mac’s Celtic Shop and Lawton’s Drug Store, Forget Me Nots Gift Shop located in St. Georges Channel, and in Petit de Grat, La Picasse gift boutique which all have a beautiful variety of Christmas gift ideas. Until next week have fun as you prepare for the holidays.

Old Fashion Christmas Supper Tomorrow Night

There will be a 6th Annual Old Fashion Christmas Supper with all the trimmings on Thursday December 8th. It start at 4 pm at the English Town Community Hall. Prices are $12.00 and $6.00 for children. Homemade pies & apple crisp dessert.

View of Richmond

The countdown is on with only 23 days left until the big day is here. I love the holidays; the hustle and bustle, everyone putting up their decorations, children making their Christmas lists and all the great Christmas activities put on by the community groups which are so much fun to attend. And Richmond has a wonderful variety of events planned this season. Tonight, St. Peter’s will be hosting the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree, located next to Foodland Grocery, at 6pm with Santa present to give out candy canes to all the children. Following the tree lighting there will be live entertainment and refreshments at the St. Peter’s Fire Hall. There will also be a Family Square Dance held at the United Church Hall in St.Peter’s from 7 to 9pm with Music by Donna Marie DeWolfe and Al Martin.
A Relay for Life fundraiser will be held at the MacBouch Beverage Room and Restaurant in St. Peter’s on December 3rd, from 1-4pm. The event will have an auction with Christmas items, baked goods and a 50/50 ticket draw and great music from local entertainers. Also on December 3rd, the Noel Isle Madame Community Christmas will take place at LeNoir Landing in Arichat from 2:30pm until 6pm. On December 4th, a Christmas Bingo will be held at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River starting at 2pm. Also on the 4th, there will be Community Breakfast held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat from 8am until 11am. And make sure to take in the Children’s Christmas Concert at the Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville on the 4th; what a perfect event to gets us into the holiday spirit. The concert will start at 2pm.
If you are looking for a card that will also remind your friends of home, the St. Peter’s Community Club may have just the answer for you. The winning photos from the Community Clubs Photo Contest have been chosen and are now available as delightful winterscape cards. A box of 6 cards is $6. Money raised from the sale of the cards will go to the Nicolas Denys Museum. The cards are available at Jeantie's Mini-Mart, Shamrock Store, C & M Video, Home Hardware in St. Peter's, Fleur de Lis Store (Rockdale), the East Coast Credit Unions in Richmond County and St. Josephs Credit Union.

Seinfeld in Sydney Tomorrow Night

Comedy Superstar Jerry Seinfeld will perform at 7pm tomorrow night at Centre 200. Tickets for Seinfeld’s show are $99.50 for floor and the lower bowl seats. Upper bowl and the fourth level club seats are $79.50. Tickets are limited, but seats are still available online at www.tickets.capebreton.ca, at the Centre 200 box office and Savoy Theatre box office, or charge-by-phone at 902-564-2200.