The Truro Daily News:

I asked for photos of the people I worked with, and these are the poses I got. The office environment was overall one of my favorite parts of the internship.

At the Truro Daily News, Harry Sullivan is often questioned what's really in his water bottle. 

Reporter Jonathan Riley hard at work. 

Intern Peter Topshee takes after Riley's habits of getting comfortable in the office. 

Sports reporter Joey Smith can be found in his corner office, keeping things cool. 

Mike Turner, editor of the Truro Daily News, edits an edition.

Missing from photos is Lynn Curwin, she was also awesome to work with.

My editor told me to take the afternoon off to go explore Victoria Park....that's exactly what I did.

Amanda Doucette photo

Amanda Doucette photo

Amanda Doucette photo

Amanda Doucette photo

Amanda Doucette photo

Meet Phyll Us! New interactive technology that takes students on a virtual ride

Submitted photos by the CCRSB. 

Submitted photo by CCRSB from Phyll-Us recent trip to the Nova Scotia Art Gallery. 

Story by Amanda Doucette
There’s a new student in the Chignecto-Central School Board.

Phyll Us is an interactive, tele-presence robot that is now helping students access more field trips and learning experiences.

“She is one of the most intriguing things that I have ever seen. It doesn’t matter what age group that she is brought around, people flock to her,” said CCRSB communications assistant, Paige Clarke.

Phyll Us is controlled by an app or website and while students and teachers are in the classroom, she travels with a tablet attached, projecting a virtual video back to the classroom.

Phyll Us is the first of her kind in Nova Scotia, and was introduced in late February. Phyll Us took her first field trip to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in March with grade three and four students from Cyrus Eaton Elementary School.

Clarke was at Cyrus Eaton while students were virtually touring the art gallery. She says the level of technology being provided to students is intriguing, and she still can’t believe this is in Nova Scotia schools.

“In the office, I think we were really just shocked that this sort of technology is available and in our schools. For the kids, it seems more normal to have her around, but they are all still so excited about what she can do.”

Phyll Us is designed by a company called Double Robotics and is the first of it's kind to hit Nova Scotia.

“It (Phyll Us) allows teachers more flexibility in the schools and causes less disruption to teachers and students class time. It can also be used to go into environments that cannot easily accommodate students or where transportation costs could prohibit students’ visits or limit the time on location,” said Louise Haycocks, the technology integration consultant for the CCRSB, in a CCRSB press release.

Crafting stress away: New technique to kick exam stress

Crafts are helping students and staff at the Dalhousie Agriculture Campus to reduce end of year stress.

"It gives you a chance to breakaway from studying for awhile, just set everything aside and occupy your mind with something easy," said Elaine MacInnis, head of the MacRae library at the Dalhousie Agriculture Campus.

Participants spent their lunch hour April 7 in the library knitting and colouring.

Students are preparing to write exams over the next month and having a quiet place to go to distract yourself helps, said MacInnis.

"Whether you're an employee or a student it just gives you a different type of break to relax."

Although there wasn't a huge turnout, there will be another two stress reducing events on April 12 and 21, at lunch.

"You find small groups of people doing the same thing as you. It's peer learning and it helps you to get socializing and away from the books," said Erin MacPherson, a librarian.

Jolene Reid, one of the library co-ordinator's, found a study proving that crafts help reduce stress, while improving your mood. That's why she held the event.

This is the first craft for stress event held on campus, but in the past they've done things like puppy and sheep cuddling.

Jessica Fogarty coloured a picture on her lunch break to reduce exam stress at the Dalhousie Agriculture campus. Amanda Doucette photo.

Jolene Reid and Erin MacPherson spent their lunch hour knitting. Amanda Doucette photo.

 

Amanda Doucette photo.

Knitting is good for the soul, says librarian Erin MacPherson. Amanda Doucette Photo.

                                                      

A slice of satisfaction: Sam’s Pizza House donates to homeless society weekly

 Nada Khoury, co-owner of Sam's Pizza House, served pizzas to the Truro Homeless Outreach Society every Wednesday night for the last three years. Amanda Doucette photo

Amanda Doucette photo

   Employees of Sam’s Pizza House say they are proud to work in such a friendly, giving environment. (left to right) Patricia Lewis, Nada Khoury, Howard Roode, William Davis and Lester Powell. Amanda Doucette photo

Howard Roode, a cook at Sam's Pizza House, fits a fresh pizza into the oven. Amanda Doucette photo.

By Amanda Doucette

Sam’s Pizza House serves slices to the Truro Homeless Outreach Society every Wednesday night.

“It’s one night a week where we don’t have to worry about what we’re cooking for supper for the guests,” said Andrea Thompson, the society’s secretary board of directors.

Sam’s has served slices to the society every Wednesday night for the last three years.

“Everybody leaves full,” Thompson said.

Sometimes there is enough left over for guests to take a slice the next day for lunch.

“Pizza’s a treat for everyone… who doesn’t like pizza, though?” she joked.

Nada Khoury, co-owner of Sam’s Pizza House manages her business so she doesn’t usually have much time to volunteer at the society, she said. 

“It’s such a good feeling giving back to people and this is an easy way for me to do it.”

Khoury loves hearing the guests enjoy Wednesdays and knowing that it takes some of the pressure off volunteers.

“I wanted to be able to help them, so why not give them a special treat night every week. They all deserve it.”

Thompson recently made a post on the society’s Facebook page, thanking the business and the feedback has been amazing, she said.

“I still look back at the post because it honestly shocked me with how much support we received.”

The post was published recently and in less than a week, they received over 17,000 views. They now have over 300 likes and 100 shares.

“We just wanted to thank one of the local businesses that are helping us out, and this completely blew up,” Thompson said.

Khoury says she wasn’t looking for a thank you, or attention from anyone.

“My parents were always giving when I was a child, and I felt like I, too, had to do something to give back.”

Since the Facebook post from the society, customers have approached Khoury recognizing Sam’s Pizza for their donations.

“A few people came in and said things like ‘I’ve never ordered from here before, but now I have a reason to,’” she said.

The praise from customers and members of the community have encouraged Sam’s to continue donating, Khoury said.

“I hope this encourages others around town to help too because it’s an amazing feeling and an amazing cause.”

Cups of Kindness: Making mornings easier with pending coffee at the Give Back Cafe

April McKay of the Give Back Cafe, hopes to start pouring some pending coffees. Amanda Doucette photos.

By Amanda Doucette

TRURO, N.S- If someone has $2 for the day, and they’re faced with buying a coffee or a loaf of bread, they’re probably going to buy the coffee.

“You’d be surprised how big of a difference the $2 really makes in their lives,” said Kelly Furlotte-Fagan, the general manager of the Give Back Cafe on 535 Prince Street.

Pending Coffee is a new program that accepts donations for coffee and if anyone needs a cup, they can come in and enjoy it free of charge.

“It’s easier for people to come in and donate, rather than come in and ask for it,” said Furlotte-Fagan.

A customer of the cafe brought the idea to their attention recently after seeing other businesses do it around the country. Since then, the cafe has received enough money for 60 cups of coffee, she said.

“It goes along with what the cafe does, we’re all about giving.”

Even if people can’t spare a Toonie for the coffee, any change donated will go towards the Pending Coffee fund.

Furlotte-Fagan has 15 years of mental health service experience, so when customers were asking for a coffee until the end of the month, she understood what they were going through.

“It takes away the uncomfortable feeling of asking, we just want people to know about the service so if you need a coffee, you can have one.”

The local homeless shelter closes at 7 a.m., so once people leave there, it’s nice to have somewhere else to go, said Furlotte-Fagan.

“These people love knowing they have a safe place to go.”

Veteran's Reconnect

Veteran Roy Morrison preparing to reconnect by phone call to his fellow veteran who he hasn't spoke to in years.
Amanda Doucette Photo.

World War Two Veteran, Roy Morrison reconnects with his long lost fellow veteran now living in Ontario. Video by Amanda Doucette

This may make more sense after checking out the article by Harry Sullivan.  http://www.trurodaily.com/news/local/2017/4/21/two-second-world-war-vets-reconnect-after-decades-of-not-knowing.html

Keeping kids active at Joyful Yoga in Truro

By Amanda Doucette

Yoga keeps kids active and they’ll learn something new too.

Joy Nicholson, owner of Joyful Yoga, says getting kids involved at a young age can have many positive affects on the child.

“It offers really useful tools that they can use in school or to integrate with other kids.”

Michelle Lowe-White is hosting a 6-week program at the studio, for kids in grades 3-5 starting April 4.

Some kids aren’t interested in hockey or cheer-leading. Yoga is a way to get them involved and socializing with others, without the competitive aspect, said Nicholson.

“You want to see your child succeed, grow and learn these life skills.”

The classes differ from adult yoga sessions because they focus on having fun, while building skills like self-awareness, coping, confidence and concentration, said Nicholson.

“It has been proven to be beneficial for anxiety and attention issues in our children as well as get them moving and away from screens.”

The skills don’t kick in over night, it’s a learning process, said Nicholson.

“It’s the same thing as brushing your teeth.”

Activities in the class will range from keeping calm at school to being brave. Joyful Yoga tries to include techniques to meet all kids needs.

Kids aren’t paying mortgages or bills, so they’re more energetic and willing to explore new things, Nicholson said.

“There is a lot more imagination to it. Kids are just curious and they want to learn new things.”

Evolving young artist in Truro

By Amanda Doucette


TRURO, N.S.- Anna Fullerton is one of Truro’s budding young artists.

“I’m not Picasso, it took me a really long time to get here,” she said.

The grade 11 Cobequid Educational Centre student, started entering the Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day contest four years ago. She says she owes her success to a few different people.

“Sometimes my mom likes my art more than I do,” Anna said.

Her mom Crystal is an artist and has supported her projects, and so have members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26 in Truro.

“They’re such a supportive organization and they’ve been so kind to me.”

Anna recognized the entire Legion, but gives special thanks to executive members Wilson MacDonald, Sandra Dill and Comrade Angela Mills, who all helped her along the way.

“One year, a Legion member drove to the house to pick up her piece just to make sure she competed,” said Crystal.

Fullerton placed second in the Regional competition in March, and second in the 2016 Nationals.

When she placed in Nationals, her painting was hung in the Parliament building for a week.

“She has won at just about every award level they offer,” said Crystal.

The first year Anna entered there was only a handful of participants. This year there were over 200, she said.

“It’s one of the best programs you can enter as a young artist.”

Anna is already planning her entry for the next contest.

Her artistic process starts with an inspiration and then she thinks it over for a few days. However, the actual painting process could take anywhere from two hours to two days.

“It’s cliché but you have to feel it. If you give the piece meaning it will be so much better.”

To other young artists in Truro, Anna advises, don’t be afraid to enter and try your best.

“Never give up on what you’re passionate about.”

Anna has been an involved artist. She’s painted a piece for town hall, a mural at Central Colchester Junior High School, and previously designed the CCJHS yearbook.

Pet Partners: Pet-Valu and ElderDog team up for fundraiser

By Amanda Doucette


From pet photos to a spa day, Pet-Valu will have it all this month.

Pet Appreciation month starts this weekend, and every weekend in April, there will be events in store to fund raise for ElderDog.

Truro’s Pet-Valu manager, Erin Lynch, says all across Canada stores are teaming up with local rescues.

“We each try and make relationships with local rescues, and share what we can.”

The Truro location has a fundraising goal of $3200 for the charity, Lynch said.

“We want to kick off strong and make some money.”

All proceeds from the Pet-Valu events will go towards ElderDog.

The ElderDog Canada Central-Nova Pawd, is an organization that connects seniors with dogs, and helps them take care of the dogs when needed.

Karen Carroll is one of the Central Nova Scotia group leaders. Her organization works with dogs and seniors in Truro and the surrounding areas, she said.

“The common theme we’ve found is seniors are happier with a dog.”

It doesn’t cost anything for the senior to get help, and a lot of people don’t know that, Carroll said.

“If they’re not able to go pick up the pet food, that’s something we would do for them.”

It doesn’t stop at shopping, and that’s why ElderDog needs help.

They transport dogs to and from the vet if the senior is unable to, help with animal hygiene and care for any special needs the dogs may have.

Pet-Valu will be taking food and cash donations for the organization.


What to check out:
April 1- Kick off party, with games 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 8- Easter pet photos 10a.m. - 3p.m.
April 15-Easter egg-hunt with prizes 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 21-23 Adoption weekend (ElderDog, Maritime Greyhounds, and Sympathetic ear will be on site)
April 23 - Spa day 12 p.m.-3 p.m.
April 29- Barbecue sponsored by Truro Nissan 11a.m.- 2p.m.

Truro Home Show

Come check out Tara McBurney at the Colchester Home Show this weekend, for all your hot tub needs, from McBurney pools and spas. Amanda Doucette photo.

 Join Scott Fraser and HubCraft Timber Mart for a game of Plinko at the Colchester Home Show. Amanda Doucette photo

 Katie Henderson tried out Moncton’s BackPlus, 3 in 1 massage demonstration at the Colchester Home Show on April 7. Find Freddy Williams of BackPlus to give it a try. Amanda Doucette photo. 

Guinevere McGuire test-drove the lawn tractors at Cub Cadets booth at the Colchester Home Show. It’s a family event, so bring the kids and they can have some fun too. Amanda Doucette photo. 

Don Moore, executive vice president of Grinner's Food Systems Ltd., at the Greco restaurant in front of the Truro Mall. Amanda Doucette photo.

Salmon River man charged for sexual touching of minor

Lloyd Aubrey Spencer, 40, has been sentenced 90 days for sexually touching a minor in 2015.

Spencer appeared in Truro Provincial Court on April 4. The case wasn’t reported until March 2016 because the victim felt guilty about what happened. The victim was 12 years old at the time and Spencer was 38.

“There was absolutely not one grain of fault on your part here,” said Judge Warren Zimmer to the victim “Not so much as one grain of sand on the beaches of the world.”


In July 2015 the victim was watching a movie with Spencer when he began the sexual touching, while others were in the room.

The victim said she felt unsafe, and asked him to stop. Then she went to bed with Spencer’s wife.
The next morning Spencer apologized and told the victim not to tell anyone.

The victim knew Spencer since she was a young girl and visited his home previously because she had an ‘older-sister-like relationship’ with his wife.

The victim and her mother read impact statements.

“Everyone leaves me now. I feel so alone and afraid,” said the victim.

Since the incident, the victim has experienced depression, anger, anxiety, and was once hospitalized at the IWK.

“I don’t have control over that person I’ve become.”

Her mother has been receiving help from the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre.

“I’ve found myself looking for the guidance to help me fight through this whole ordeal to help my daughter.”

She’s since noticed a change in her daughter’s spirit and behavior.

“The daughter I have now needs to fight to feel normal,”

Spencer was emotionless through it all.


Spencer has a previous criminal record, and was sexually abused himself as a child. He is now unemployed because of the incident

Spencer, living on Matheson Road in Salmon River, will be serving his sentence intermittently. He will be on probation for three years and the National Sex Offender Registry for 10.

Clean Up Truro: Earth Day is around the corner

By Amanda Doucette


Clare Walker is helping plan some of Truro’s Earth Day activities.

Walker is a Cobequid Educational Centre student, and a member of the Living Earth Council. She says they’re trying to get more youth involved in the project.

“Youth in the community have an interesting perspective and I think sometimes that’s forgotten.”

Join the Town and the Living Earth Council on April 22, for Earth Day activities starting at 9 a.m.

Walker is just one of the students on the council who are part of the event. They will be giving a presentation on pollination, she said.

“Its been so fulfilling to be a part of.”

The students have conducted their own research and will as well be presenting to local elementary schools.

Samantha Madore is the special events and culture co-ordinator of Truro. She says the youth’s involvement in the event is helping encourage a larger audience to come out.

“It’s great to see the youth jumping on board and joining the council.”

Madore says there are lots of activities planned for the day.

The Colchester Historeum at 29 Young St., is taking part in the planned guiding walking tours, where they’ll point out historical aspects of the town.

“You’ll learn a little bit,“ She said “But for the most part we’re just encouraging the town to help clean up and have fun.”


Earth Day activities:
9 a.m. - Meet at Truro Civic Square, group photo and pick up clean up supplies.
9:30-10:30 a.m. - Litter pick up in designated areas.
11- 11:30 a.m. - Guest speakers and music.
11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. – Eco-activities
12- 12:30 p.m.- Guided historic walking tours begin.
Don’t forget to stop in to the Truro Farmers Market, for a Green lunch!

Intoxicating Ink: Tattoo and Brew with Rolling Sea Tattooery and Tatamagouche Brewing Co.

By Amanda Doucette


Alicia Vocke loves visiting the Tatamagouche Brewing Company and she says she felt the venue was the perfect location for an event.

"It's a great chance for me to get together with clients further out of town, and its exposure for both me and them," Vocke said "Where can you can go wrong with that."

Vocke's the owner of Rolling Sea Tattooery in Truro on Prince Street. She’s hosting a tattoo event on April 22 at the Brewery, where registered guests can receive a pre selected beer-themed tattoo.

Although the events at a brewery, Vocke doesn't advise drinking before getting a tattoo. The event is happening from 11a.m.-6 p.m., so after getting inked, the brews are at your own discretion, she said.

"Alcohol and tattoos aren't a good mix, but people are attending just to watch the tattooing process. And we do have a separate room booked, I won't be tattooing right where they're serving alcohol."

Vocke says similar tattoo expos she has attended in the past have served alcohol, but this is the first time she is hosting this type of event.

“It’s really not about the alcohol, I can’t stress that enough.”

Each client will receive about an hours worth of ink, so right now there are seven appointments booked. They do have a wait-list, if someone doesn’t show up or isn’t interested in the pre-selected tattoos, it will be a first come first serve basis.

“I’m really excited for it. I really love the people at the Tatamagouche Brewery,” Vocke said “It’s a great environment and if all goes well, I hope this leads to other events in the future.”

Expose, educate, and inspire youth: Second annual Youth Expo heading to Brookfield

By Amanda Doucette


BROOKFIELD, N.S.- Second annual Youth Expo aims to bring learning to life.

Woman That Hunt is the non-profit organization hosting the event. Kelly Lemay, one of the events coordinators, says they’re goal is to get kids to try new things.

“This isn’t your average trade show with booths and vendors. Every booth is interactive because that’s how most kids learn, by doing it.”

The Expo takes place April 22 in Brookfield, at the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It is free for youth and five dollars for adults.

They have over 80 interactive exhibits in the works, partnering with local businesses to teach youth about activities they may not have previously had the opportunity to experience, said Lemay.

“It’s our effort to inspire a better health and wellness lifestyle in youth.”

Lemay says there is going to be activities and learning experiences for everyone. Events range from raising a chicken egg to chainsaw art.

“Kids may never have these opportunities again and we want to give them that kick-start to try it out, and who knows maybe they’ll love it.”

When youth see stars on TV or hear them on the radio, they figure they can never be like them.

That’s why the youth expo is trying to give them these opportunities, said Lemay.

“It puts kids in a perspective to say ‘I can do this too’.”

The event hopes to get some Maritime success-story examples, to show youth that they can succeed in whatever they choose to do, said Lemay.

“Once upon a time they were just kids from a small community too, and they followed their dreams and that can show the kids that it is possible.”

Last years event focused on mostly physical activities.They had over 1100 youth participants, with 56 vendors. This year, with more vendors and a broadened activity list, they are preparing for a higher turnout.

“Why would we want to exclude anyone, so after last year we added more of everything.”

A Novel Approach: Colchester Historeum looks for books

Books, 

Books,

Books

and more books! Amanda Doucette photos.

Cutline: Barry Zolkivski sorts through the hundreds of books already donated to the Colchester Historeum used book sale, April 22. Amanda Doucette photo

The historeum basement is flooding with books says Barry Zolkivski Committee Chair of the Archives.
Amanda Doucette photo 

By Amanda Doucette

From romance to history books, the Colchester Historeum used-book sale has it all.

“This is an important fundraiser for us, we depend on donations to support our upkeep and operational costs,” said Barry Zolkivski Committee Chair of the Archives.

The Historeum is still accepting used books for their April 22 sale, although, they already have a huge selection to choose from.

Zolkivski has been busy for the last few weeks sorting the books dropped off by donation.

“New copies have been coming in everyday,” said Zolkivski “There is a diverse amount of fiction and non-fiction here already.”

Recently the Historeum had some unexpected expenses so they hope there is a large turnout at the sale.

They operate by the help of volunteers, with the exception of two paid staff, says Margaret Mulroney, the Historeum’s curator.

“We will take anything we can get.”

The Historeum previously had a weekly sale partnering with the farmers market. They won’t be starting that until after this larger event.

“We want to kick it off with a bang, to get things rolling,” Mulroney said.

The Historeum is accepting all books and they’re hoping to get some more soft covers for the sale.

However, they won’t be accepting magazines because in previous years they were harder to sell.

Book drop off times are the Historeum’s usual hours, Tuesday-Friday 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.

The book sale runs April 22 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hop to the mall to meet the Easter Bunny!

Paisley and Lily Hillman visited the Easter Bunny at the Truro Mall on April 7. The Easter Bunny will be at the mall until April 15.Amanda Doucette photo.

Quinten and Nora Dexter got to dress-up like the Easter Bunny, after they visited the bunny at the Truro mall, April 7. Amanda Doucette photo.

Stop and smell the flowers: Daffodils for Cancer

Stop and smell the flowers at the Truro Superstore, they’re for sale for the Canadian Cancer Society. Glenn Langille, assistant manager and Trudy Haba, health and wellness manager of the Superstore stopped to check out the display on April 20.