Edition 2007-39
Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2007
Good evening! What a gorgeous Thanksgiving weekend we’ve had so far … hope everyone’s enjoying their turkey!
The very first thing – I owe John, our website coordinator, and all of you an apology! In last week’s newsletter, I made a big booboo – I sang the praises of our new website and then told everyone to click in to www.LoyalistsatShelburne.ca. Wrong!! It’s www.LoyalistsatShelburne.com! Force of habit, I guess, and in my defence, I’d had a very full day and it was way past my bedtime … So, my first apology is to John, who has been working with such dedication and enthusiasm to create this wonderful new .com website for us. Sorry, John! And my second apology is to you for leading you astray. Sorry about that and please do check out www.LoyalistsatShelburne.com! And I should add that John, always with a meticulous eye to the details, has even given me a new e-mail address – info@loyalistsatshelburne.com. Which should make life simpler all around – only one name to remember now!
Next, I regret to announce that there will definitely be no Christmas house tours in Shelburne. Not this year, anyway. My call for volunteers met with a bah humbug, and without volunteers stepping up to help, there’s just no way it can happen. On the downside, it’s unfortunate as I believe that Shelburne could easily have attracted its fair share of Christmas house tour aficionados and that we could have played a significant part in the local Christmas landscape. On the upside though, with not having to plan our own Christmas event, there’ll now be lots of time to take in the Christmas house tours in the surrounding towns! However, do keep in mind – being a die-hard Christmas fan, I’m not giving up on this one. This may be one of my pet projects post-2008 …!
And a quick update on the re-seeding project at the old SRHS grounds, in preparation for the Grand Re-enactment Weekend in Jul 08. Have you seen all that green? The once dusty, gravely grounds are now beautiful green lawn – just what the B.A.R. ordered. Well done to everyone who toiled, raked, seeded and believed– your green vision is now a reality!
COMING UP:
1. The next meeting of the LL08 Society will be held on Thursday, 18 Oct, 7 pm in the Town Council Chambers. Look for the agenda later this week and remember that everyone is welcome to attend.
2. Don’t forget – if you’re planning to sign up for the Loyalist sewing class being offered at SRHS from 22 Oct – 26 Nov, the registration deadline is next Monday, 15 Oct.
3. Also, if you’re interested in helping out with the Town Crier Competition in Jul 08, don’t forget that there will be a meeting with the President of the NS Guild on Monday, 15 Oct, 4 pm, in the Town Council Chambers. Come see what it’s all about.
4. And finally, don’t forget to send me your list of events for the 2008/09 agenda book. I need them by next Saturday, 13 Oct.
Edition 2007-40
Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007
It's been a fairly busy week on the LL08 front! Added yet more events to the LL08 2008/09 agenda book ... finalized details on some 2008 events ... picked up a load of stuff for the 7 Jun 08 fundraising auction ... and met with the local hookers to discuss their planned activities in the Men's Room ... Now that last one got your attention, didn't it?
I'd like to thank all the organizations, clubs, towns and councils that have been so diligently sending me their events to be included in the 2008/09 agenda book. The response has been wonderful! And let me tell you - 2008 is going to be one busy year, all around the county. But what I've found really interesting about all these lists of events is that most of these are events that happen every year, whether it's 2007, 2008 or 2009. It's truly amazing to see how much "stuff" goes on around Shelburne County in the run of a year! For the population of this county, we're one hopping place!
Our new neighbours, who are now moving out (was it something we said?) have very kindly left us a sizeable pile of furniture, knick-knacks and assorted paraphernalia that will be ideal for the LL08 fundraising auction on 7 Jun 08. As you may recall, the auction will be part of the Spring Into Shelburne event on Saturday, 7 Jun which will kick off with Shelburne's Second Annual Town-Wide Yard & Sidewalk Sale, followed by the fundraising auction at the Cox Warehouse in the afternoon, and an evening of musical entertainment as a grand finale to a perfect day. So, this is a reminder - we are, and will be, looking for donations of suitable items, big and small, for our fundraising auction. Don't throw anything away without running it by us first!!
And finally, on to our favourite hookers, the Shelburne County Sirens! I met with this friendly group of ladies this week to further discuss plans for a rug hooking exhibit during the Grand Re-enactment Weekend in Jul 08. The exhibit will be held at the Shelburne Community Centre in conjunction with the weekend's other activities, including a quilt exhibit and the Coastal Oldies Antique Car Show. And yes, the ladies will be in the Men's Room - the Firemen's Room, that is! So you can cancel that call to the Vice Squad! But the Sirens are putting out a call of their own to all rug hookers who may want to hook a special mat for the 2008 celebrations, and they will gladly provide you with a kit, hooking advice and moral support. If you're interested, you can contact them at 875-1508 or 875-2855. Also look for their ad in this week's Coast Guard!
With Christmas just around the corner (how many shopping days left?), Shelburne will be kicking off the festive season on Saturday, 24 Nov with a full day of activities that will include two, yes two!, Christmas fairs and a Christmas Parade. The first is the annual craft fair put on by the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. It will be held at the Community Centre on King Street and run from 10 am to 4 pm. For more info, contact Nancy Thomas at 875-2951. The second one will be a brand new venture - the First Annual Osprey Arts Centre Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair. It will be held at the Osprey from 10 am - 4 pm. For more details, contact Darcy Rhyno at 656-2144 or the Osprey at 875-2359. And of course, don't forget the Christmas Parade beginning at 2 pm, with a very special appearance by Santa himself. So definitely mark 24 Nov on your calendar - it's going to be a lively day in Shelburne!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
1. Meeting with the Nova Scotia Guild of Town Criers, Mon 15 Oct, 4 pm, Town Council Chambers. Anyone with an interest in the Town Crier Competition to be held in Jul 08 is welcome to attend.
2. Nova Scotia Community College staff and students will be at the Black Loyalist heritage site in Birchtown on Wed, 17 Oct to do some site maintenance and improvements, including raking gravel, painting, installing signs and planting fall bulbs. The BLHS is looking for donations of fall bulbs and will issue charitable receipts. Your donation can be dropped off at the BLHS office at 98 Old Birchtown Road or you can call Shari (875-1310) or Jackie (875-1606) to arrange for pick-up.
3. Don't forget the LL08 Society meeting, Thu 18 Oct, 7 pm, at the Town Council Chambers. Look for the agenda later today.
Edition 2007-41
Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2007
Good afternoon! And how can it not be on such a spectacular fall day! Lots of tidbits today -
First off, check out the following links as part of your costume resource list for 2008:
The Links have been added HERE
I haven't checked them all out, but I was pleased with the couple I popped into - interesting and informative! I can't take the credit for finding any of them however - the links are a compilation by Richard Shaw and Seán Beahen, both members of the UELAC (United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada). For your convenience, they'll be added to our website.
Still on costumes, I was disappointed and concerned to hear that Marion Flemming's Loyalist sewing class has been cancelled, due to low registration. Hopefully that means you're just not interested in sewing your own costume or can't sew, or you already have a costume for 2008 or at least plans for one. Right? Otherwise, you're going to look pretty silly going around naked all next year ... But I'm curious - what's everyone doing for a costume for 2008? I know some of you have purchased patterns and intend to sew your own, I know of at least one person who purchased a costume from Jeff Strang, some are getting help from friends and a few lucky ones still fit into their 1983 costume! But what are the rest of you doing for a costume for next year? Please e-mail me - I'd like to know!
As mentioned in the minutes of the LL08 meeting held on 18 Oct, Macon, Georgia artist Clarence Betleyoun has very generously donated a painting depicting the Loyalists landing at Port Roseway Harbour in 1783. Clarence, who's a great fan of Shelburne and a regular visitor, has painted and taught workshops here. The Society hopes to be able to make prints of the painting to sell as a fundraiser for 2008 events. Check out the artist at www.clarencebetleyoun.com !
Received word from Susan Hoover at the Osprey Arts Centre of two special shows that will be held as part of LL08 signature events next Jun and Jul. The first will be the finale to the Spring Into Shelburne event on Sat 7 Jun that will feature the Town-Wide Yard & Sidewalk Sale and a fundraising auction. After a hard day of buying and selling, you'll be in for a real treat. As part of the Osprey's new Down Home series, local talent Pat DeMolitor, with the help of family and friends, will present "On the DeMolitor's Front Porch", an evening of toe-tapping, sing-along music and rib-tickling fun! The second will be on Sat 19 Jul during the Grand Re-enactment Weekend. The mother/daughter team of Linda and Andrea Jeffrey, accomplished opera singers and Loyalist descendants, will bring you an evening concert titled "Lyrical Letters", chronicling a Loyalist mother and daughter's musical journey to Nova Scotia told through letters and period song. As those two never disappoint, you know it's going to be a fantastic performance!
And guess what? You don't even have to remember those dates or write them down. Both events, and many, many other exciting events, will be listed in the 2008/09 agenda book, so all you have to do is buy an agenda book! Too easy. Oh, you're welcome ... it's the least we could do, really!
And finally, did you happen to notice that small airplane buzzing around Shelburne late this morning? Well, that was local dentist Kim Mailman's plane and hitching a ride with him was none other than LL08 Chair Al Delaney! Kim very kindly offered (actually, I think Al pestered him ...) to take Al up, up and away over Shelburne County to snap some pics for the 2008/09 agenda book fundraiser. What a beautiful, clear and sunny day for an aerial photo shoot - and the colours must have been spectacular. Although, if it was as windy up there as it was down here, hope the boys packed some Gravol ...! An extra big thank you goes out to Dr. Mailman for sharing his time and his plane for the 2008 cause!
COMING UP:
1. The LL08 Society will be participating in the Relay for Life Night at Wilson's Shopping Centre in Barrington this coming Wed, 24 Oct. The fourth annual and very successful event, held as a fundraiser for cancer, will run from 7 - 10 pm. For the price of a $10 admission (free for children under 12), you'll be entered to win close to $4,800 in free draws and prizes, plus there will be booths from local community organizations (like ours ...) and a special section featuring local authors. Sounds like a lot of fun! Look for Chair Al and Treasurer Jim waving the Loyalist flag!
2. The Shelburne County Archives & Genealogical Society will be hosting a Veterans Coffee Party & Display on Thu, 1 Nov 07 from 10 - 11:30 am at the McKay Memorial Library on Water Street. Everyone is welcome!
Edition 2007-42
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2007
I'd like to start off this week's newsletter by sending a big thank you to Sue Renaud at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club! Sue has agreed to take the lead in organizing Shelburne County's first multicultural food fair in 2008. The fair will be hosted by the Yacht Club and will be held during the first of the three July showcase weekends, the Waterfront Weekend, running from 11-13 Jul 08. The multicultural food fair, which will provide an opportunity to sample culinary delights from the various ethnic and cultural groups represented throughout the County, will be just one of the exciting events happening that weekend, which will also include a sky diving demonstration, longboat races (yes, the ones we're building!), lobster boat races (yes, real lobster boats with real lobster fishermen), political boat races (note to Mayors, Wardens and councillors - better start training ...), the Queen of Hearts Dory Club, Tall Ships, hopefully yacht races and a Navy ship, model ships, fireworks, a waterfront concert, all kinds of booths, exhibits and demos by the Coast Guard, the RCMP, SAR, EMO, and many more! It was already shaping up to be a great weekend, but Sue just helped to make it a perfect weekend! Thanks Sue - you really made my week!!
And just a reminder to check out our website at www.LoyalistsatShelburne.com. John, our diligent and patient website coordinator, spent the past week updating it. If you haven't already, look at the "Loyalist Life" section, and in particular the "Imperial Currency, Weights and Measures". It's a real hoot!
And further to my question last week about what everyone's doing for a costume, seems many of you are taking matters into your own hands! Those who contacted me said they were buying or had bought a pattern already and were planning to tackle the project themselves. Way to go! And sorry fellas, no naked ladies next year ...!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
1. You may recall that, over the summer, LL08 Society Director Doug Langley was able to secure the materials for, and construction of, a portable booth for use during the 2008 celebrations and beyond. We've had the booth for a while, but were waiting for the summer tourist season to wind down so that we could set up the booth at the Muir-Cox Shipyard building without getting in anyone's way. So, on Tue 30 Oct, 10:30 am, you are cordially invited to come to the Muir-Cox Shipyard, paintbrush and/or roller & tray in hand, to slap the first coat or two of paint on the booth!
2. And don't forget the Veterans Coffee Party & Display on Thu, 1 Nov from 10-11:30 am at the McKay Memorial Library. The event, hosted by the Shelburne County Archives & Genealogical Society, is open to everyone.
3. Hallowe'en!! Don't forget to get some treats for the little ghosts, goblins and pirates!
Edition 2007-43
Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2007
Good evening! Short one tonight as there's nothing new to report on the LL08 front, although it was a busy week, as usual. We've even secured another fun-filled event for the Waterfront Weekend! Starting to get excited, and a little nervous! as the clock is ticking and 2008 is getting closer every day ... According to John's countdown on the website, there are only 58 days until the Loyalist Levee on 1 Jan and the kick-off to an exciting year. Can't wait to get started!!
On the subject of the website, if you haven't had a look lately, check out the Shelburne Lot Size box on the Home Page. It's sure to give you your chuckle for the day!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
1. The Shelburne Arena kicks off its free skate on Thu, 8 Nov at 11 am. Better get those blades sharpened!
2. The next meeting of the LL08 Society will be held on Sat, 10 Nov, 10 am in the Town Council Chambers. I'll put the agenda out later this week. The meeting will be open to everyone.
3. Also on Sat, 10 Nov, at 1 pm, don't forget the Red Rally in support of our troops. It will start at the Legion Hall on Water Street in Shelburne. See you there!
4. And after a full day of meetings and rallies, you can unwind and get mellow at Gypsophilia at the Osprey Arts Centre. The show begins at 8 pm!
Edition 2007-44
Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007
Good evening! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...
On that note, the LL08 Society will be entering a float in the Shelburne Christmas Parade on Sat, 24 Nov. And we've got a special surprise up our sleeve ... If you'd like to help decorate or be part of the float, give me a call!
That weekend is going to be a busy one in Shelburne County! On Sat, 24 Nov, there will be two, count 'em two!, Christmas fairs in Shelburne - one at the Community Centre and the other at the Osprey Arts Centre - as well as the Christmas Parade in the afternoon. Then on Sun, 25 Nov, the Western Shelburne County Healthcare Charitable Society and the Clyde River Busy Bees will be hosting Christmas by the River - Home for Christmas House Tour that will feature tours of new and older homes in Clyde River, Port Clyde and Port Saxon all decked out in festive finery, followed by a Christmas tea at St. Matthews United Church in Clyde River. Shelburne County is the place to be next weekend!
And jumping right ahead to the new year, had a wonderful meeting this week with Mary Lee Gonzaga and Penny Smith, representing the Town and the Municipality respectively, to discuss the planning and details of the Loyalist Levee on 1 Jan 08. As you well know, the Town and the Municipality readily agreed to combine their respective annual levees into one Loyalist levee this coming year to kick off the 2008 celebrations. And what a kick-off we've planned for you! Special guests, period music and dancing, 18th century re-enactors, lots of colour, pageantry and history, and of course, food! And it will also be your first of many opportunities to show off your new 18th century attire or costume. Just picture it - the auditorium at the Community Centre awash in Loyalist red, white and blue, soldiers and dancers in period garb, music wafting through the air and everyone dressed in 18th century style. It will be an impressive event that will set the tone and the standard for the rest of the year - so be sure not to miss it! Watch for details as we get closer to the date.
Still looking ahead to 2008, I'm extremely pleased to announce that the Shelburne County Figure Skating Club has confirmed they will be hosting a Loyalists on Ice skating performance in March. I'm so excited about this event - judging from the preliminary discussions and ideas being tossed around, it's going to be a spectacular and memorable show! The date and location are still to be determined, so stay tuned for more details early in the new year.
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
Shelburne's popular annual Christmas Crawl will be held this coming Friday, 16 Nov. The event runs from 9 am to 9 pm, and is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit! Don't forget your jingle bells!
Edition 2007-45
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2007
Good evening, everyone! Trust everyone had a chance to enjoy that beautiful weather today! Not much to report tonight other than to say that we're in good shape for 2008 and that it's all coming together. Unbelievably, the year-long celebrations kick off in just 44 days - yikes! - with the Loyalist Levee on 1 Jan 08. We'll be issuing the announcement later this week, so watch for it! Better get your costume ready ...
This past week, the text information for the LL08 2008/09 agenda book was submitted to Trancontinental - next phase will be the pictures. The folks at Transcontinental expect the agenda book to be ready by the beginning of December - at $10 each, they'll make a great gift for everyone on your shopping list! Including you!
Be sure to get some rest during the week, because you'll need to be in full form for next weekend.
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
Christmas comes to Shelburne on Saturday, 24 Nov!
- 10 am - 4 pm - SVFD Ladies' Auxiliary Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Shelburne Community Centre. This popular fair is always a great place to pick up beautiful, handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations. If you're planning to scout the bake tables, better be there when the doors open!
- 10 am - 5 pm - First Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair, Osprey Arts Centre. This exciting, brand-new event will feature over 25 artists and craftspeople offering everything from fabric to woodworking! Hot cider and food will also be available.
- 2 pm - Shelburne Christmas Parade with the big guy as the star attraction! Look for the LL08 Society float!
And then on Sunday, 25 Nov -
- 1-5 pm - Christmas by the River. The Western Shelburne County Healthcare Charitable Society and the Clyde River Busy Bees invite you to their Home for Christmas House Tour. All decked out for the holidays will be St. Matthews United Church in Clyde River, as well as three homes in Clyde River, Port Clyde and Port Saxon. The afternoon will end with a lovely Christmas tea at St. Matthews, served by the Busy Bees. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the church, starting at 1 pm on Sunday, or if you prefer, you can purchase them ahead of time through Donna Leblanc-Messenger, Councillor MoB; Wilson's Home Hardware, Barrington Passage; and Norma McGray, Clyde River Busy Bees.
- 3 pm - Robbie Smith & Family. The talented Smith Family will provide an afternoon of toe-tapping musical entertainment, starting at 3 pm at the Osprey Arts Centre. Tickets are $10.
Edition 2007-46
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2007
Good morning! Winter arrived in Shelburne yesterday and brought along temperatures from the North Pole, but what a perfect day! Between the craft fairs, the Christmas parade and all the Christmas decorations up everywhere, Shelburne is definitely in holiday mode!
Picked up a most interesting and timely Christmas ornament at the Community Centre yesterday - made from a black locust tree. Although the tree is not indigenous to Nova Scotia, the seeds were brought to the area by none other than the Loyalists in the late 1700s. The wood is extremely hard and very resistant to rot, so it was often used to build fences and small boats. Glenna Redding has only a handful of these unusual ornaments left for sale so if you want one, give her a call at 875-1211!
Gearing up for the holidays, the LL08 Society had hoped that our 2008/09 agenda books would be out by now, just in time for Christmas shopping. But I’m sorry to report that sluggish ad sales have delayed production of the book. It seems that many businesses have indicated, quite sincerely, that they will be purchasing an ad in the agenda book, however, many have failed to follow through with the actual purchasing. When Transcontinental Media very generously agreed to partner with the Society for this venture, it was with the understanding that the project would be “break even” for them, ie, they would not spend any money on the book, but by the same token, they wouldn’t make any either. It was their and the Society’s hope that there would be just enough ad sales to cover the cost of producing and printing the agenda book, so that all profits from the sale of the agenda book could accrue to the LL08 Society to help finance events for 2008. If Transcontinental can’t generate enough ad sales to cover the cost of the book, the whole project may be in jeopardy. The Society will then have to make a hard decision - do we proceed with the book anyway and make up any financing shortfall out of grant money that I was hoping to use in other ways, or do we just cancel the whole thing? I’m told that businesses will be approached again this coming week with the aim of formalizing ad sales. So if you were planning to purchase an ad in the agenda book, please sign on the dotted line when Joe comes knocking!
And I’m tickled red, white & blue to say that Spears Insurance in Shelburne is already getting into the spirit of 2008 by flying the Loyalist colours! Next time you’re going by the office, look up, over the door - and there it is, the Loyalist flag in all its splendour! Now picture one of those on every doorstep for 2008 - the effect will be absolutely breathtaking! You can get your flag from Jeff Strang at Ideal Discount Store!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
1. Fawne & Garvin Atkinson invite you to a Christmas Open House at their home at 60 Kenney Road, Stoney Island, CSI next weekend. The tour, which will feature several decorated Christmas trees and homemade refreshments, is a fundraiser for the Wayne & Lynne Perry Scholarship Fund - a legacy project of the South Shore Tourism Association. The tour will be held on Sat, 1 Dec from 1-7 pm and again on Sun, 2 Dec from 1-6 pm. Admission is $10 at the door.
2. The Osprey Arts Centre presents The 100 Candle Concert by the Sanctuary Trio on Sat, 1 Dec at 8 pm. The performance of seasonal music, featuring Peter Togni on organ and grand piano, Christoph Both on cello and Jeff Reilly on bass clarinet, will be held at Trinity United Church in Shelburne. Tickets are $20 each and are available at The Whirligig or at the door.
3. And on Sun, 2 Dec, 3 pm, Trinity United Church will open its doors for an hour of Christmas music and carol singing. Although admission is free, donations to the Shelburne Loyalist Food Bank will be welcome. Don’t forget to bring your voices!
And finally, did you notice that gorgeous full moon last night? It’s called the Full Beaver Moon, as November was traditionally the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, in order to ensure a good supply of warm furs for the winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon. There - a little trivia for your next cocktail party!
Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2007
Good evening! What a gorgeous Thanksgiving weekend we’ve had so far … hope everyone’s enjoying their turkey!
The very first thing – I owe John, our website coordinator, and all of you an apology! In last week’s newsletter, I made a big booboo – I sang the praises of our new website and then told everyone to click in to www.LoyalistsatShelburne.ca. Wrong!! It’s www.LoyalistsatShelburne.com! Force of habit, I guess, and in my defence, I’d had a very full day and it was way past my bedtime … So, my first apology is to John, who has been working with such dedication and enthusiasm to create this wonderful new .com website for us. Sorry, John! And my second apology is to you for leading you astray. Sorry about that and please do check out www.LoyalistsatShelburne.com! And I should add that John, always with a meticulous eye to the details, has even given me a new e-mail address – info@loyalistsatshelburne.com. Which should make life simpler all around – only one name to remember now!
Next, I regret to announce that there will definitely be no Christmas house tours in Shelburne. Not this year, anyway. My call for volunteers met with a bah humbug, and without volunteers stepping up to help, there’s just no way it can happen. On the downside, it’s unfortunate as I believe that Shelburne could easily have attracted its fair share of Christmas house tour aficionados and that we could have played a significant part in the local Christmas landscape. On the upside though, with not having to plan our own Christmas event, there’ll now be lots of time to take in the Christmas house tours in the surrounding towns! However, do keep in mind – being a die-hard Christmas fan, I’m not giving up on this one. This may be one of my pet projects post-2008 …!
And a quick update on the re-seeding project at the old SRHS grounds, in preparation for the Grand Re-enactment Weekend in Jul 08. Have you seen all that green? The once dusty, gravely grounds are now beautiful green lawn – just what the B.A.R. ordered. Well done to everyone who toiled, raked, seeded and believed– your green vision is now a reality!
COMING UP:
1. The next meeting of the LL08 Society will be held on Thursday, 18 Oct, 7 pm in the Town Council Chambers. Look for the agenda later this week and remember that everyone is welcome to attend.
2. Don’t forget – if you’re planning to sign up for the Loyalist sewing class being offered at SRHS from 22 Oct – 26 Nov, the registration deadline is next Monday, 15 Oct.
3. Also, if you’re interested in helping out with the Town Crier Competition in Jul 08, don’t forget that there will be a meeting with the President of the NS Guild on Monday, 15 Oct, 4 pm, in the Town Council Chambers. Come see what it’s all about.
4. And finally, don’t forget to send me your list of events for the 2008/09 agenda book. I need them by next Saturday, 13 Oct.
Edition 2007-40
Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007
It's been a fairly busy week on the LL08 front! Added yet more events to the LL08 2008/09 agenda book ... finalized details on some 2008 events ... picked up a load of stuff for the 7 Jun 08 fundraising auction ... and met with the local hookers to discuss their planned activities in the Men's Room ... Now that last one got your attention, didn't it?
I'd like to thank all the organizations, clubs, towns and councils that have been so diligently sending me their events to be included in the 2008/09 agenda book. The response has been wonderful! And let me tell you - 2008 is going to be one busy year, all around the county. But what I've found really interesting about all these lists of events is that most of these are events that happen every year, whether it's 2007, 2008 or 2009. It's truly amazing to see how much "stuff" goes on around Shelburne County in the run of a year! For the population of this county, we're one hopping place!
Our new neighbours, who are now moving out (was it something we said?) have very kindly left us a sizeable pile of furniture, knick-knacks and assorted paraphernalia that will be ideal for the LL08 fundraising auction on 7 Jun 08. As you may recall, the auction will be part of the Spring Into Shelburne event on Saturday, 7 Jun which will kick off with Shelburne's Second Annual Town-Wide Yard & Sidewalk Sale, followed by the fundraising auction at the Cox Warehouse in the afternoon, and an evening of musical entertainment as a grand finale to a perfect day. So, this is a reminder - we are, and will be, looking for donations of suitable items, big and small, for our fundraising auction. Don't throw anything away without running it by us first!!
And finally, on to our favourite hookers, the Shelburne County Sirens! I met with this friendly group of ladies this week to further discuss plans for a rug hooking exhibit during the Grand Re-enactment Weekend in Jul 08. The exhibit will be held at the Shelburne Community Centre in conjunction with the weekend's other activities, including a quilt exhibit and the Coastal Oldies Antique Car Show. And yes, the ladies will be in the Men's Room - the Firemen's Room, that is! So you can cancel that call to the Vice Squad! But the Sirens are putting out a call of their own to all rug hookers who may want to hook a special mat for the 2008 celebrations, and they will gladly provide you with a kit, hooking advice and moral support. If you're interested, you can contact them at 875-1508 or 875-2855. Also look for their ad in this week's Coast Guard!
With Christmas just around the corner (how many shopping days left?), Shelburne will be kicking off the festive season on Saturday, 24 Nov with a full day of activities that will include two, yes two!, Christmas fairs and a Christmas Parade. The first is the annual craft fair put on by the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. It will be held at the Community Centre on King Street and run from 10 am to 4 pm. For more info, contact Nancy Thomas at 875-2951. The second one will be a brand new venture - the First Annual Osprey Arts Centre Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair. It will be held at the Osprey from 10 am - 4 pm. For more details, contact Darcy Rhyno at 656-2144 or the Osprey at 875-2359. And of course, don't forget the Christmas Parade beginning at 2 pm, with a very special appearance by Santa himself. So definitely mark 24 Nov on your calendar - it's going to be a lively day in Shelburne!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
1. Meeting with the Nova Scotia Guild of Town Criers, Mon 15 Oct, 4 pm, Town Council Chambers. Anyone with an interest in the Town Crier Competition to be held in Jul 08 is welcome to attend.
2. Nova Scotia Community College staff and students will be at the Black Loyalist heritage site in Birchtown on Wed, 17 Oct to do some site maintenance and improvements, including raking gravel, painting, installing signs and planting fall bulbs. The BLHS is looking for donations of fall bulbs and will issue charitable receipts. Your donation can be dropped off at the BLHS office at 98 Old Birchtown Road or you can call Shari (875-1310) or Jackie (875-1606) to arrange for pick-up.
3. Don't forget the LL08 Society meeting, Thu 18 Oct, 7 pm, at the Town Council Chambers. Look for the agenda later today.
Edition 2007-41
Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2007
Good afternoon! And how can it not be on such a spectacular fall day! Lots of tidbits today -
First off, check out the following links as part of your costume resource list for 2008:
The Links have been added HERE
I haven't checked them all out, but I was pleased with the couple I popped into - interesting and informative! I can't take the credit for finding any of them however - the links are a compilation by Richard Shaw and Seán Beahen, both members of the UELAC (United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada). For your convenience, they'll be added to our website.
Still on costumes, I was disappointed and concerned to hear that Marion Flemming's Loyalist sewing class has been cancelled, due to low registration. Hopefully that means you're just not interested in sewing your own costume or can't sew, or you already have a costume for 2008 or at least plans for one. Right? Otherwise, you're going to look pretty silly going around naked all next year ... But I'm curious - what's everyone doing for a costume for 2008? I know some of you have purchased patterns and intend to sew your own, I know of at least one person who purchased a costume from Jeff Strang, some are getting help from friends and a few lucky ones still fit into their 1983 costume! But what are the rest of you doing for a costume for next year? Please e-mail me - I'd like to know!
As mentioned in the minutes of the LL08 meeting held on 18 Oct, Macon, Georgia artist Clarence Betleyoun has very generously donated a painting depicting the Loyalists landing at Port Roseway Harbour in 1783. Clarence, who's a great fan of Shelburne and a regular visitor, has painted and taught workshops here. The Society hopes to be able to make prints of the painting to sell as a fundraiser for 2008 events. Check out the artist at www.clarencebetleyoun.com !
Received word from Susan Hoover at the Osprey Arts Centre of two special shows that will be held as part of LL08 signature events next Jun and Jul. The first will be the finale to the Spring Into Shelburne event on Sat 7 Jun that will feature the Town-Wide Yard & Sidewalk Sale and a fundraising auction. After a hard day of buying and selling, you'll be in for a real treat. As part of the Osprey's new Down Home series, local talent Pat DeMolitor, with the help of family and friends, will present "On the DeMolitor's Front Porch", an evening of toe-tapping, sing-along music and rib-tickling fun! The second will be on Sat 19 Jul during the Grand Re-enactment Weekend. The mother/daughter team of Linda and Andrea Jeffrey, accomplished opera singers and Loyalist descendants, will bring you an evening concert titled "Lyrical Letters", chronicling a Loyalist mother and daughter's musical journey to Nova Scotia told through letters and period song. As those two never disappoint, you know it's going to be a fantastic performance!
And guess what? You don't even have to remember those dates or write them down. Both events, and many, many other exciting events, will be listed in the 2008/09 agenda book, so all you have to do is buy an agenda book! Too easy. Oh, you're welcome ... it's the least we could do, really!
And finally, did you happen to notice that small airplane buzzing around Shelburne late this morning? Well, that was local dentist Kim Mailman's plane and hitching a ride with him was none other than LL08 Chair Al Delaney! Kim very kindly offered (actually, I think Al pestered him ...) to take Al up, up and away over Shelburne County to snap some pics for the 2008/09 agenda book fundraiser. What a beautiful, clear and sunny day for an aerial photo shoot - and the colours must have been spectacular. Although, if it was as windy up there as it was down here, hope the boys packed some Gravol ...! An extra big thank you goes out to Dr. Mailman for sharing his time and his plane for the 2008 cause!
COMING UP:
1. The LL08 Society will be participating in the Relay for Life Night at Wilson's Shopping Centre in Barrington this coming Wed, 24 Oct. The fourth annual and very successful event, held as a fundraiser for cancer, will run from 7 - 10 pm. For the price of a $10 admission (free for children under 12), you'll be entered to win close to $4,800 in free draws and prizes, plus there will be booths from local community organizations (like ours ...) and a special section featuring local authors. Sounds like a lot of fun! Look for Chair Al and Treasurer Jim waving the Loyalist flag!
2. The Shelburne County Archives & Genealogical Society will be hosting a Veterans Coffee Party & Display on Thu, 1 Nov 07 from 10 - 11:30 am at the McKay Memorial Library on Water Street. Everyone is welcome!
Edition 2007-42
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2007
I'd like to start off this week's newsletter by sending a big thank you to Sue Renaud at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club! Sue has agreed to take the lead in organizing Shelburne County's first multicultural food fair in 2008. The fair will be hosted by the Yacht Club and will be held during the first of the three July showcase weekends, the Waterfront Weekend, running from 11-13 Jul 08. The multicultural food fair, which will provide an opportunity to sample culinary delights from the various ethnic and cultural groups represented throughout the County, will be just one of the exciting events happening that weekend, which will also include a sky diving demonstration, longboat races (yes, the ones we're building!), lobster boat races (yes, real lobster boats with real lobster fishermen), political boat races (note to Mayors, Wardens and councillors - better start training ...), the Queen of Hearts Dory Club, Tall Ships, hopefully yacht races and a Navy ship, model ships, fireworks, a waterfront concert, all kinds of booths, exhibits and demos by the Coast Guard, the RCMP, SAR, EMO, and many more! It was already shaping up to be a great weekend, but Sue just helped to make it a perfect weekend! Thanks Sue - you really made my week!!
And just a reminder to check out our website at www.LoyalistsatShelburne.com. John, our diligent and patient website coordinator, spent the past week updating it. If you haven't already, look at the "Loyalist Life" section, and in particular the "Imperial Currency, Weights and Measures". It's a real hoot!
And further to my question last week about what everyone's doing for a costume, seems many of you are taking matters into your own hands! Those who contacted me said they were buying or had bought a pattern already and were planning to tackle the project themselves. Way to go! And sorry fellas, no naked ladies next year ...!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
1. You may recall that, over the summer, LL08 Society Director Doug Langley was able to secure the materials for, and construction of, a portable booth for use during the 2008 celebrations and beyond. We've had the booth for a while, but were waiting for the summer tourist season to wind down so that we could set up the booth at the Muir-Cox Shipyard building without getting in anyone's way. So, on Tue 30 Oct, 10:30 am, you are cordially invited to come to the Muir-Cox Shipyard, paintbrush and/or roller & tray in hand, to slap the first coat or two of paint on the booth!
2. And don't forget the Veterans Coffee Party & Display on Thu, 1 Nov from 10-11:30 am at the McKay Memorial Library. The event, hosted by the Shelburne County Archives & Genealogical Society, is open to everyone.
3. Hallowe'en!! Don't forget to get some treats for the little ghosts, goblins and pirates!
Edition 2007-43
Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2007
Good evening! Short one tonight as there's nothing new to report on the LL08 front, although it was a busy week, as usual. We've even secured another fun-filled event for the Waterfront Weekend! Starting to get excited, and a little nervous! as the clock is ticking and 2008 is getting closer every day ... According to John's countdown on the website, there are only 58 days until the Loyalist Levee on 1 Jan and the kick-off to an exciting year. Can't wait to get started!!
On the subject of the website, if you haven't had a look lately, check out the Shelburne Lot Size box on the Home Page. It's sure to give you your chuckle for the day!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
1. The Shelburne Arena kicks off its free skate on Thu, 8 Nov at 11 am. Better get those blades sharpened!
2. The next meeting of the LL08 Society will be held on Sat, 10 Nov, 10 am in the Town Council Chambers. I'll put the agenda out later this week. The meeting will be open to everyone.
3. Also on Sat, 10 Nov, at 1 pm, don't forget the Red Rally in support of our troops. It will start at the Legion Hall on Water Street in Shelburne. See you there!
4. And after a full day of meetings and rallies, you can unwind and get mellow at Gypsophilia at the Osprey Arts Centre. The show begins at 8 pm!
Edition 2007-44
Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007
Good evening! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...
On that note, the LL08 Society will be entering a float in the Shelburne Christmas Parade on Sat, 24 Nov. And we've got a special surprise up our sleeve ... If you'd like to help decorate or be part of the float, give me a call!
That weekend is going to be a busy one in Shelburne County! On Sat, 24 Nov, there will be two, count 'em two!, Christmas fairs in Shelburne - one at the Community Centre and the other at the Osprey Arts Centre - as well as the Christmas Parade in the afternoon. Then on Sun, 25 Nov, the Western Shelburne County Healthcare Charitable Society and the Clyde River Busy Bees will be hosting Christmas by the River - Home for Christmas House Tour that will feature tours of new and older homes in Clyde River, Port Clyde and Port Saxon all decked out in festive finery, followed by a Christmas tea at St. Matthews United Church in Clyde River. Shelburne County is the place to be next weekend!
And jumping right ahead to the new year, had a wonderful meeting this week with Mary Lee Gonzaga and Penny Smith, representing the Town and the Municipality respectively, to discuss the planning and details of the Loyalist Levee on 1 Jan 08. As you well know, the Town and the Municipality readily agreed to combine their respective annual levees into one Loyalist levee this coming year to kick off the 2008 celebrations. And what a kick-off we've planned for you! Special guests, period music and dancing, 18th century re-enactors, lots of colour, pageantry and history, and of course, food! And it will also be your first of many opportunities to show off your new 18th century attire or costume. Just picture it - the auditorium at the Community Centre awash in Loyalist red, white and blue, soldiers and dancers in period garb, music wafting through the air and everyone dressed in 18th century style. It will be an impressive event that will set the tone and the standard for the rest of the year - so be sure not to miss it! Watch for details as we get closer to the date.
Still looking ahead to 2008, I'm extremely pleased to announce that the Shelburne County Figure Skating Club has confirmed they will be hosting a Loyalists on Ice skating performance in March. I'm so excited about this event - judging from the preliminary discussions and ideas being tossed around, it's going to be a spectacular and memorable show! The date and location are still to be determined, so stay tuned for more details early in the new year.
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
Shelburne's popular annual Christmas Crawl will be held this coming Friday, 16 Nov. The event runs from 9 am to 9 pm, and is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit! Don't forget your jingle bells!
Edition 2007-45
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2007
Good evening, everyone! Trust everyone had a chance to enjoy that beautiful weather today! Not much to report tonight other than to say that we're in good shape for 2008 and that it's all coming together. Unbelievably, the year-long celebrations kick off in just 44 days - yikes! - with the Loyalist Levee on 1 Jan 08. We'll be issuing the announcement later this week, so watch for it! Better get your costume ready ...
This past week, the text information for the LL08 2008/09 agenda book was submitted to Trancontinental - next phase will be the pictures. The folks at Transcontinental expect the agenda book to be ready by the beginning of December - at $10 each, they'll make a great gift for everyone on your shopping list! Including you!
Be sure to get some rest during the week, because you'll need to be in full form for next weekend.
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
Christmas comes to Shelburne on Saturday, 24 Nov!
- 10 am - 4 pm - SVFD Ladies' Auxiliary Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Shelburne Community Centre. This popular fair is always a great place to pick up beautiful, handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations. If you're planning to scout the bake tables, better be there when the doors open!
- 10 am - 5 pm - First Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair, Osprey Arts Centre. This exciting, brand-new event will feature over 25 artists and craftspeople offering everything from fabric to woodworking! Hot cider and food will also be available.
- 2 pm - Shelburne Christmas Parade with the big guy as the star attraction! Look for the LL08 Society float!
And then on Sunday, 25 Nov -
- 1-5 pm - Christmas by the River. The Western Shelburne County Healthcare Charitable Society and the Clyde River Busy Bees invite you to their Home for Christmas House Tour. All decked out for the holidays will be St. Matthews United Church in Clyde River, as well as three homes in Clyde River, Port Clyde and Port Saxon. The afternoon will end with a lovely Christmas tea at St. Matthews, served by the Busy Bees. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the church, starting at 1 pm on Sunday, or if you prefer, you can purchase them ahead of time through Donna Leblanc-Messenger, Councillor MoB; Wilson's Home Hardware, Barrington Passage; and Norma McGray, Clyde River Busy Bees.
- 3 pm - Robbie Smith & Family. The talented Smith Family will provide an afternoon of toe-tapping musical entertainment, starting at 3 pm at the Osprey Arts Centre. Tickets are $10.
Edition 2007-46
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2007
Good morning! Winter arrived in Shelburne yesterday and brought along temperatures from the North Pole, but what a perfect day! Between the craft fairs, the Christmas parade and all the Christmas decorations up everywhere, Shelburne is definitely in holiday mode!
Picked up a most interesting and timely Christmas ornament at the Community Centre yesterday - made from a black locust tree. Although the tree is not indigenous to Nova Scotia, the seeds were brought to the area by none other than the Loyalists in the late 1700s. The wood is extremely hard and very resistant to rot, so it was often used to build fences and small boats. Glenna Redding has only a handful of these unusual ornaments left for sale so if you want one, give her a call at 875-1211!
Gearing up for the holidays, the LL08 Society had hoped that our 2008/09 agenda books would be out by now, just in time for Christmas shopping. But I’m sorry to report that sluggish ad sales have delayed production of the book. It seems that many businesses have indicated, quite sincerely, that they will be purchasing an ad in the agenda book, however, many have failed to follow through with the actual purchasing. When Transcontinental Media very generously agreed to partner with the Society for this venture, it was with the understanding that the project would be “break even” for them, ie, they would not spend any money on the book, but by the same token, they wouldn’t make any either. It was their and the Society’s hope that there would be just enough ad sales to cover the cost of producing and printing the agenda book, so that all profits from the sale of the agenda book could accrue to the LL08 Society to help finance events for 2008. If Transcontinental can’t generate enough ad sales to cover the cost of the book, the whole project may be in jeopardy. The Society will then have to make a hard decision - do we proceed with the book anyway and make up any financing shortfall out of grant money that I was hoping to use in other ways, or do we just cancel the whole thing? I’m told that businesses will be approached again this coming week with the aim of formalizing ad sales. So if you were planning to purchase an ad in the agenda book, please sign on the dotted line when Joe comes knocking!
And I’m tickled red, white & blue to say that Spears Insurance in Shelburne is already getting into the spirit of 2008 by flying the Loyalist colours! Next time you’re going by the office, look up, over the door - and there it is, the Loyalist flag in all its splendour! Now picture one of those on every doorstep for 2008 - the effect will be absolutely breathtaking! You can get your flag from Jeff Strang at Ideal Discount Store!
COMING UP THIS WEEK:
1. Fawne & Garvin Atkinson invite you to a Christmas Open House at their home at 60 Kenney Road, Stoney Island, CSI next weekend. The tour, which will feature several decorated Christmas trees and homemade refreshments, is a fundraiser for the Wayne & Lynne Perry Scholarship Fund - a legacy project of the South Shore Tourism Association. The tour will be held on Sat, 1 Dec from 1-7 pm and again on Sun, 2 Dec from 1-6 pm. Admission is $10 at the door.
2. The Osprey Arts Centre presents The 100 Candle Concert by the Sanctuary Trio on Sat, 1 Dec at 8 pm. The performance of seasonal music, featuring Peter Togni on organ and grand piano, Christoph Both on cello and Jeff Reilly on bass clarinet, will be held at Trinity United Church in Shelburne. Tickets are $20 each and are available at The Whirligig or at the door.
3. And on Sun, 2 Dec, 3 pm, Trinity United Church will open its doors for an hour of Christmas music and carol singing. Although admission is free, donations to the Shelburne Loyalist Food Bank will be welcome. Don’t forget to bring your voices!
And finally, did you notice that gorgeous full moon last night? It’s called the Full Beaver Moon, as November was traditionally the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, in order to ensure a good supply of warm furs for the winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon. There - a little trivia for your next cocktail party!
©copyright 2007 The Official website of the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society.
Society Business.
2007 October to November Newsletters
