Of Rural Health Care and the ACHC…

And so it begins… the local launch of a (hopefully) massive letter writing and public protest campaign to once again let the “powers that be” in the big cities of Kentville and Halifax know that rural Nova Scotia counts for something too! It’s a familiar tune for rural Nova Scotians who over recent decades have lost services time and time again to the “bigger” towns and cities. It is not a problem unique to Annapolis Royal and area by any means, but because Annapolis Royal is my home, that is my focus right now.

This blog may take the form of a personal rant, or a number of personal rants before I am through… but then it’s my personal blog and if I want to rant I guess that’s my right. So fasten your seatbelt or close this window and do something else – your choice entirely!

So with the “rumours” surrounding the once again tenuous future of the Annapolis Community Health Centre (formerly the Annapolis General Hospital), the local population is mobilizing once again to stand their ground against the big guns who seems to believe somehow that we don’t need 24 hour emergency service in our area. Evidently they think that rural Nova Scotians are a much hardier stock than urban folk and thus conclude that emergency services are a frill that we don’t require.

Now the Minister’s Office is quick to try to dispell the rumours… no, they say, we are not considering permanent closure of ER services at the Annapolis Community Health Centre. So what exactly does the word “permanent” mean? And I don’t expect they are contemplating closure… right now… because it is much easier to bleed us to death over time than it is to actually cut something outright. So the first step will be no graveyard shift at our ER, then it will be no evenings or weekends, then there will be no ER services at all. But make no mistake their long term goal at this point is eventual closure. This is why we must make noise… a lot of noise… and together we must fight this urban management (or mismanagement) of our rural resources.

Don’t know if anyone else out there is a Seuss fan, but I am. And I think about “Horton Hears a Who” at times like this. In short form, Whoville was in peril and each Who was trying to make noise to resolve the problem. The more Whos that shouted, the louder they became… but it wasn’t quite enough. So they ran around Whoville and made sure that every single Who joined the chorus and with that last Who shouting loudly, guess what? They were heard, and Whoville was saved. Well folks, we’re the Whos. And we all, every one of us, need to join the chorus of “this is not acceptable” to the Province of Nova Scotia and to our Valley Health Board or we risk losing much that we value.

To quote the book:

“This,” cried the Mayor, “is your towns darkest hour!
The time for all Whos who have blood that is red
To come to the aid of their country!” he said.
“We’ve GOT to make noises in greater amounts!
So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!”

And then…

“Their voices were heard! They rang out clear and clean.
And the elephant smiled. “Do you see what I mean?…
They’ve proved they ARE persons, no matter how small.
And their whole world was saved by the smallest of All!”

Well, that’s my Dr. Suess view of things for tonight

But tomorrow I’ll have more to add to the fight

Our Town is a Town no matter how small,

And Health Care is needed for one and for all!

We must confront the government with all our might

And compel them to do what is just, what is right.

Of musical friends and Tidal Funk…

One of the terrific things about living in the Annapolis Valley is that the region boasts a wealth of artistic talent, in terms of both visual arts and performing arts. In particular, today I’m bringing attention to some of the many many talented musicians who live and work locally.

The Tidal Funk Orchestra played to an enthusiastic audience at King’s Theatre in Annapolis Royal last night (Nov 14). This is a somewhat informal collection of musicians – each is a great musician in their own right but as a group they play together for fun occasionally and perform for the public even less often. But the result is an incredibly laid-back, relaxing performance that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Their music genre? Well, don’t try to label it – they won’t! In fact, their motto is “You may be surprised… we always are”, and this speaks volumes for what they do. If you ever get an opportunity to catch these folks in action, take it!

The Tidal Funk Orchestra

Mark Towers on sax

Roger Ellis, Richard Bennett, Steve Parsons

Mike the Didgeridoo Dude

Thanks for the music!

Of Smiles and Happy Moments…

A new little project for me, perhaps just as a therapeutic measure for my own sanity, or perhaps  to bring a small measure of “happy” to someone else… this post, and the next one, and then next after that… they’re going to be about happy things. I’m going to find something that brings a smile to my face, because I need that, and then share it through this blog.

So be prepared to smile, if only for a minute. It won’t hurt… I promise!

Today… a priceless Youtube video about a fawn and a cat, to Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’ . I dare you to watch this and not smile!

A smile a day keeps the doctor away, right?

Communities in Bloom

I had a visit a few days ago… one which was a great surprise and made my day! Ivan & Margaret Stinson, leaders in the National Communities in Bloom organization, dropped in to the Historic Gardens during a visit to Nova Scotia. It was wonderful to see them, and it reminded me of all that is good about my community.

Annapolis Royal (which is truly much more than its 500 citizens and one square mile of land) won the International Challenge of the 2008 Communities in Bloom awards. Judges came to our fair town, toured, met people, drank lemonade in back yards, walked gardens, saw museums, learned about our history, experienced our culture… and no surprise to many of us, they loved it all. And they thought so much of our community that we beat out several other small communities worldwide to win top honours.

All of our citizens share in this award. So do all those who work and play here. And all those who came before us, my parents included, who had the foresight to build towards a better community. No single person or group can take credit – the honour belongs to everyone.

So just when I get totally discouraged with some of the small town politics and the general “negtivity” that seems to be ever present in our streets sometimes, I have two old friends walk into my office and make everything OK again. Thanks Margaret and Ivan! I needed that!

Working Together or Pulling Apart?

It seems that everyone is really stressed right now. People are worried about the economy, about their jobs, about the things they love… and sometimes all this negative energy manifests itself in bizarre and counterproductive ways.  I think people mostly mean well, but with the stresses and the pressures it seems like civility is in short supply and tempers are easily flared. And as a result of all this, it seems that a lot of the time we are all pulling in different directions, and spending what little energy we have working against each other instead of corralling all that energy and channelling it towards a common goal. We’re all guilty of falling into this same trap from time to time, and the more stressed we are, the more we do it.

So we must all make a conscious effort, even a pledge, to ensure that every possible ounce of energy is put towards something good, something productive… something we can collaborate on for a common goal. In the end, we will all be better for it and so will the things we care about.

I am making that pledge, and if anyone sees me veering away from this, you have my permission to “kick my butt”. But do it with a smile on your face, because it seems that something as simple as a smile is in pretty short supply these days too.

Seems like I already wrote a cheerleader piece… oh yes, I did. Here it is, from a couple months ago. I just read it again, and yep, it still applies!

Here endeth my mini-rant for the day! But I close with a smile, because it is important to do so… “Sometimes too much to drink isn’t enough.”

Volunteers – such a Valuable Resource!

One of the things that makes me a “Happy” Annapolitan, is the volunteer spirit of this small community. As in any small town, volunteers are the heart of the community. They are our firefighters, our coaches, our gardeners, our Sunday School teachers. They serve on Boards and committees. They fundraise, they do research. Heck, they clean toilets if that’s what it takes. And theydo it to make the community a better place. Not for money. Not for the glory of it all. They do it for all the right reasons, and ask nothing in return.

At the Historic Gardens, we rely on volunteers for many things, from gardening to boards, from licking envelopes to heading up a special committee, and for all things in between. They come to help with a smile on their face, and most often the smile is still there when they leave. Gardens staff consider the volunteers a pleasure to work with, and very much appreciate their efforts!

On this, Provincial Volunteer Week, we salute our volunteers! Hats off to you all, for all you do!

Spring has Sprung

Finally, after what seems like a very long winter, spring seems to be upon us. The warmth of the sun brings a new energy to all life. In the Historic Gardens, green shoots of daylilies and irises are emerging from the ground. The buds of the spring flowering shrubs are starting to swell. Various colours of crocus adorn the grounds, while the Black Pussywillow adds some interest. And as you wander, you can smell spring in the air.

Croci

Hellebore

Black Pussywillow

And in the “people world” there is also a new energy. Business owners start to gear up for another summer season. My friends in the attractions world are also busily planning a season of wonderful activities and experiences at their various sites, and we are working collboratively on a number of exciting projects. There is renewed optimism about the potential of a new season, tempered by the reality that this will be a challenging year for everyone given the economic crisis.

The sidewalks are busier, as the residents of the area shake off the winter chill and resume their eveing walks, where one’s attempt at excercise is invariably interrupted by half a dozen good conversations with friends, neighbours and even the occasional early season tourist.  Kids are hitting the streets on their bikes and skateboards, and the braver teens are seen in shorts and T-shirts.

If you stop and listen for just a moment, you’ll hear the birds singing their praises for a new season – cardinals, chickadees, robins… all readying for the busy season ahead.

Ah yes, the smells and sights and sounds of spring in Annapolis Royal. Invigorating!

Snowdrops

Tired of Winter?

I think we’re all getting a little tired of winter – it’s been a long one, and a very nasty one underfoot! But winter has it’s beautiful side… even the ice. The photo below was taken at the Historic Gardens a few days ago during a day of freezing rain and drizzle.

Historic Gardens - March 2, 2009

This little Town seems like a sleepy quiet town in the winter, in sort of a hibernation state. But under that peaceful facade, things have been percolating all through the winter and the do-bees in the community have been busily working away on projects that will make this an even better place to live and to visit.

Spring will soon be here, and the Town will “awake” and offer a season full of great experiences for resident and visitor alike… and I, for one, can’t wait!

Of a Hometown Girl “Dun Good”!

Donna Holmes, who “grew up” in Annapolis Royal, entered CBC’s “Paging Miss Darbus” contest for a chance to star in Neptune Theatre’s production of “High School Musical”. She did really well in her auditions and made the cut to become on of the five finalists. Last week was the final audition and voting by the public. Unfortunately, Donna did not win, but her efforts and enthusiasm have “dun our Town proud”.

Donna with the Annapolis Big Band (Photo: Annapolis Spectator)

Donna Holmes went through school with me at AWEC (just a few short years ago), and since then has entertained many of us through work as Twinkle the Clown at Upper Clements Park, on stage at King’s Theatre, or singing with the Annapolis Big Band every chance she gets. From the first day Donna walked into “our world” (she moved here in Grade 9), I have known her as a singer and actress.

The Spectator had a great feature on her latest project: http://www.novanewsnow.com/article-301784-Finding-Miss-Darbus.html.

Always gracious, even in defeat, Donna says I’m also glad I had the chance of meeting the other finalists – what amazing girls. All could have done a great job of playing Ms. Darbus – but it’s Gillian Fowler who will rock Neptune’s house.” She added “This Darbus gig was an amazing ride and even knowing the outcome, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. ”

Good on ya, Donna!

Yes, We Can!!!!

Has anyone noticed that everyone they meet seems to be in a funk these days? The economy? The weather? War in Iraq? Threatened school closures? Loss of NS Power tax revenue? Tourism in crisis? Too much work? Too little time? Yep, there are lots ‘n lots of reasons and we’re reminded of them all everyday in the news.

Whatever the reasons, the world needs a major “happy pill” right about now. Negativity breeds negativity. We all need to focus on the positives. Treat ourselves. Have some fun. Lighten up. Because yes, things are scary right now, but feeling depressed 24/7 isn’t going to improve anything.

I said a while ago that I felt Barack Obama was going to be a breath of fresh air, and bring some positive energy to this little world of ours. And I think he has, but we all have to do our part. We can’t expect Obama or the other leaders to magically solve all the world’s problems overnight. And we certainly can’t expect government at other levels to solve all our problems either, as much as we are tempted to.

So allow me to quote President Obama for a moment:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek”

This isn’t a Pep Talk for the rest of the world, it’s really my Pep Talk to myself because I find myself suffering from that same funk sometimes, and wishing everyone else would get on with making my life better! 

So let’s get out there and make our world a better place. Hand out a few extra smiles. Put a little extra energy behind that project we’re working on. Celebrate our smallest victories.

Can we crawl our way out of this mess, working together?

YES, WE CAN!