CLAYTON PARK • CLAYTON PARK WEST • FAIRVIEW • BAYER’S LAKE PARK • ROCKINGHAM • BIRCH COVE • ARMDALE • SACKVILLE • BEDFORD

ParkviewNewsSpreading the good news

in our communityVol 5 No 5 December 2018

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Mental Health and Wellness Conference at the West

By Andy de Champlain,Editor

On November 15th, Halifax West High School hosted its third annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference for the benefit of students, teachers and the entire community.

Speaking to Essa Hashem, PR rep and VP of the school’s student government, I learned that the conference began in 2016 “under the leadership and guidance of former Student Government advisor, Sandra Starratt. The committee wanted to create an event not only to start an open conversation at Halifax West about mental health, but additionally to end the stigma associated with mental illness. The results turned out significantly positive, and we decided to turn the event into an annual tradition.”

When I met Essa, he was kind enough to show me around the venue and introduce me to some of the other grade-12s who’d been so busy putting the event together, including the main organizer Sydnie Paris.

I asked Essa what some of the highlights were from the day. He said there were “many activities, workshops and presentations taking place throughout the course of the day. Activities included dance and yoga classes for students, a board game room at lunch and a therapy dog room, which was a student favourite. Many workshops were held instead of regular class, to inform both students and staff about mental health and what revolves around it, such as the importance of hydration. Presenters such as Tad Milmine from Calgary and Stephanie Reidy were in the Bella Rose Theatre, showcasing their stories and

perspective in aspects of mental health.”

Jennifer Fougere, one of the advisors to the Student Government, told Parkview News they had “over 30 community presenters coming to the school to run workshops and give keynote presentations.” She added “Mental health is a very important topic of discussion and affects so many in our community.”

It certainly is, and this event was an amazing way for the school to address some of the concerns of mental wellness. Essa explained that to bring

the conference together required dedicated effort from many people, especially Sydnie Paris – organizer of the whole event; and “the two advisers of Student Government; Jennifer Fougere and Jessica Goura, who spent countless hours putting together the masterpiece of an event.”

The Parkview News would like to congratulate everyone involved, including the presenters, teachers, and the Student Government of Halifax West who made this great conference possible!

L>R: Renee MacLeod and Yara Yazbek, Co-Presidents of Student Government; Essa Hashem, Vice-President and PR Representative; Sydnie Paris, Vice-President of Student Government and Liason of Mental Health and Wellness Committee and main organizer of the event (All in grade 12)

Warrior Wellness at the West

December 2018 • Parkview News December 2018 • Parkview News2 3

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3A Restaurant Food & Drink ................................................................... 264 Bedford Highway Atlantic Superstore ................................................................................. 1075 Barrington StreetAtlantic Superstore .....................................1650 Bedford Highway (Next to Bedford Place Mall)Atlantic Superstore ...................................................................................... 210 Chain Lake Dr.Atlantic Superstore .................................................................................. 3601 Joseph Howe Dr.Atlantic Superstore ............................................................. 745 Sackville Drive, Lower SackvilleBayers Road Shopping Centre (Food Court) .......................................................7071 Bayers RdBedford Basin Farmers Market ................................................................. 397 Bedford HighwayBedford Place Mall ................................................................................. 1658 Bedford HighwayBedford Public Library ...................................................................................15 Dartmouth Dr.Best Friends Pet Supplies ................................................................................287 Lacewood Dr.Canada Games Centre ........................................................................... 26 Thomas Raddall Dr.Chickenburger ....................................................................................... 1531 Bedford HighwayCIOE 97.5 FM Radio Station ................................................ 11 Glendale Ave., Lower Sackville Halifax Buy & Sell (Clayton Park) .....................................................................70 Lacewood Dr.

Keshen Goodman Public Library .................................................................. 330 Lacewood Dr.Lower Deck .......................................................................... 278 Lacewwod Dr. (Clayton Park)Massage Addict ..............................................................................................278 Lacewood Dr. Massage Addict ........................................................................ 620 Nine Mile Dr. (Larry Uteck)Pizzatown ......................................................................... 225 Cobequid Road, Lower SackvilleSackville Public Library ....................................................................................636 Sackville Dr. Sackville Sports Stadium ................................................................................. 409 Glendale Dr.Shoppers Drug Mart ............................................................................... 1595 Bedford HighwayShoppers Drug Mart ..................................................................................... 278 Lacewood Dr.Shoppers Drug Mart .................................................................. Nine Mile Drive & Larry UteckShoppers Drug Mart .........................................................................................766 Sackville Dr.Smitty’s Family Restaurant ............................................................................ 362 Lacewood Dr.Swiss Chalet ........................................................................................... 1658 Bedford HighwaySwiss Chalet ............................................................................................... 358 Lacewood Drive

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902 490 2400 | canadagamescentre.ca |

DECEMBER PLAY & SHOP

Sign up for an annual membership and receive a $50 gift card!*

GET A JUMP ON YOUR FITNESS RESOLUTIONS AND TACKLE YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Stop by to see the friendly CGC Customer Service staff to sign up.

* Promotion runs December 1st-31st. Some conditions apply.

FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZA

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 31st 2:30PM-5:00PM

Invigorate your winter with basketball, badminton, pickleball, table tennis, swimming, diving, water slides, fitness classes, weight lifting and much more.

AFR Lions Club Raises over $1200 for Terry Fox Foundation

This fall, the Armdale Fairview Rockingham Lions Club raised $1,226.25 for the Terry Fox Foundation via their annual “Road Toll”. Pictured here is Larry Kennedy, 1st Vice-President of the AFR Lions, presenting the check to Barbara Pate, local executive director for the Terry Fox Foundation.

The local Lions have donated almost $25,000 to this cause since 2001. Way to go, Lions!

If you interested in joining the AFR’s

Lions Club, please feel free to send an e-mail to AFRLions@outlook.com or call Hiram Tiller, Membership Chair at (902) 457-7300. Meetings are usually twice a month; attendance isn’t mandatory, and it is the choice of each Lion as to which projects to participate in.

Healthy, Happy HolidaysSubmitted by Canada Games Centre

As the holiday season approaches again (where did this year go?), some look forward to it, others dread it. Whatever your stance on how to tackle the holidays, and all the extra tasks we busy ourselves with this time of year – more visits with family and friends, baking, travel and shopping – sometimes taking care of ourselves becomes secondary.

Here are some tips and tricks from CGC’s Amber Allen, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, and Candice Brown, Fitness Programmer, on how to survive (and delight in) the holidays with your health and wellness intact.

Allow yourself some leewayGive yourself permission to enjoy yourself without guilt. It’s often the guilt that spurs us into a downward spiral of overindulging. Be mindful of what you are putting on your plate and in your mouth; listen to your body and not your eyes. Keeping your hands and brain busy with board games, cards, or taking a walk instead of a second helping, and enjoying the time spent with family and loved ones, or donating your extra leftovers to a shelter can help keep your pants from feeling tight after the holidays.

Resist the urge to hibernate…Get your exercise from doing things you love; walk the neighbourhood

with family to look at the decorations, or enjoy a good dance session around the house. Take a little time to get out of the house and drop by the CGC for one of our 75 drop-in classes, including our lunchtime Express classes. These 40-minute classes can fit nicely into a busy schedule, and you can attend as much of the class as you are able. Shorten up your workouts if you’re pressed for time, but make every minute count.

…but make sure you do rest.Set aside time to de-stress; take 10 minutes at home and find a quiet space and meditate or journal about the things you are grateful for. Recline on an exercise ball, or use a

foam roller or therapy balls to knead out stressed muscles. The CGC offers self-care workshops and programs where members and non-members can learn various 5- to 10-minute routines that can be done anywhere.

However you celebrate this holiday season, choose activities that give you joy, and spend time with the people you love. Staying mindful and active throughout the busy season will set you up for a healthy start to the New Year.

Merry Fitness and Healthy Holidays from the Canada Games Centre!

By Bruce Holland, Publisher

Atlantic Superstore Creates Another Wonderful Market Moment!

Atlantic Superstore staff threw out 100 or more T-shirts into the crowd during the first intermission, and three of them had numbers on the back. The three with numbers came down to centre ice during the second intermission and were given $250, $500 and $5000 in

PC gift cards. Ironically, Mr. Vosman, who won the biggest amount, regularly shops at the Quinpool Superstore.

Atlantic Superstore regularly does Market Moments, more often at one of the local Atlantic Superstores, where they give free groceries to folks in line at the checkouts.

The event at the Mooseheads game was an exciting event to show the public how much Atlantic Superstore appreciates the support of shoppers in Atlantic Canada.

Halifax Mooseheads fan Francis Vosman is presented with a $5000.00 cheque (which he will receive in President’s Choice gift cards). Vosman was randomly selected to receive free groceries during an Atlantic Superstore “Market Moment” at a Mooseheads game on November 4.

James McAvoy Celebrates a Major Milestone!By Bruce Holland

In November, James McAvoy celebrated his 100th birthday and he is still going strong and enjoying life. When I sat down to chat with him recently at the Fairview Legion, his granddaughter

had just put a hip-hop song on the jukebox and James did a little jig to it on his way over to join me. It was quite amazing to see!

James has seen a lot of things over the course of his life. Having been born on Maitland Street in Halifax on November 13th, 1918, the oldest of eight children, he spent his early years growing up on Maitland Street, then moved to Allen Street and on to Robie Street before joining the Army and going overseas in 1940 to serve in WWII at the age of 21.

He spent two years in England, before he participated in the invasion of Normandy. James told me, “We waded waste high in the frigid water onto the beach. As part of the Army Engineering Corp., we were the first ones in and the last ones out!”

Upon his return to Halifax after the war James took a job with the Department of Veterans Affairs for one year, helping soldiers get re-established as they returned from the war. In 1948, James met his wife Grace (Stafford) whom he was married to for 64 years, until Grace passed away at the age of 90. Grace

and James raised four children – two boys and two girls (one adopted) and have five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

After spending a year with Veterans Affairs, James became a Fisheries Officer with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and spent the next 32 years with the department, mostly in St. Andrew’s, NB, retiring as a District Officer at the age of 60.

James went on to work in a few other careers including as a fish buyer, buying tuna out of Central America and then for a fisheries survey company before retiring completely. James remarried, Maria (McLellan), and they are currently enjoying life here in Nova Scotia.

The Parkview News would like to congratulate James on this significant milestone and wishes you many more years of enjoying life!

December 2018 • Parkview News December 2018 • Parkview News4 5

Each and every one of us, no matter how ordinary we may be, have it within us thanks to our God-given gifts to be extraordinary. We have many examples of ordinary people leading extraordinary lives within our own community.

I attended a funeral of a long-time parishioner some months ago at Saint Benedict’s. This parishioner had been a volunteer in various capacities over the years. One of his roles was to ensure the emergency lights were always working in case of a power failure. On the day of his funeral, the church was in total darkness, no power anywhere to be found. This was an irony so amazing that it was not considered by any means coincidental. It made everyone realize through faith and strong beliefs that anything is possible. The lights did flicker on and off three times when we were making our way to the reception area; then, total darkness followed again. Many who witnessed this believed this was not only God saying hello but our

Marie-Claire Chartrand, BA, MTS, RSW, Cert. EMLead Consultant

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FAMILY TREE LIGHTING PRESENTED BY THE FAIRVIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONSat Dec 1 (Rain Date Dec 2) Freeman’s Fairview 3671 Dutch Village Rd.Join us at Freemans for a candlelight walk to Titus Park.Turkey Giveaways, Christmas Carolers. Bring non-perishable food items for Fairview Food Bank; Contact Fairview.ca@gmail.com for more infoFairview United Church Craft MarketSat., Dec 1, 9am to 2pm, 3524 Dutch Village Road - Halifax -across the street from Dairy Queen/Giant Tiger, Admission $1. Parking available at back of the Church – Wheelchair AccessibleFAIRVIEW FAMILY CENTRE FREE DROP-IN COMMUNITY MEALWed., Dec 12 from 1-3pm – 6 Titus St., FairviewFairview resident adults and seniors are invited to a free warm meal with other people in the community. The meal is turkey dinner; coffee/tea and dessert. Please call or stop by to reserve your meal; if you need a drive or bus tickets, or more info, please call Ruth at 902 443 9569 ext. #3 or email rbyrne@ffcns.ca.Square Roots Produce Bundle PickupSat., Dec 15, 1-4pm Trinity Anglican Church, 321 Main AveSun., Dec 16, 1-4pm The Boss, 56 Supreme Court.10 pounds of fresh, local produce for $10 each or $5 if that’s more affordable.Customers who are able to afford a little more are able to help families in need this holiday season by paying $20 to secure a bundle for themselves and to donate a bundle to one of our community partners.A COMMUNITY CHRISTMASDec 16, 10:30am, Grace Chapel, 255 Ross St.Cider, cookies, multigenerational activities, followed by a contemporary serviceLet’s celebrate as a community, Clayton Park West!ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION FAIRVIEW BRANCH 142 EVENTS50 Hillcrest Street at Main Ave, 902-443-7256Dance in the Lounge with music by EldoradoFri., Dec 7, 8:30-11:30pm. No cover charge.Christmas Dance in the Hall with music by MetroFri., Dec 14, 8pm-12am. Cash donation accepted for the Food Bank. Santa will drop by with gifts!! All welcome. Come out and get in the Christmas spirit!!Seniors Christmas Dance in the Lower Hall with music by Joe MacKinnonTues, Dec 18, 1-4:30pm, light lunch served, door prizes and lots of fun. $5 cover charge.Dance in the Lounge with music by SidewinderFri., Dec 21, 8:30-11:30pm. No cover charge.New Years Eve Dance in the Hall with music by AppaloosaMon., Dec 31, 9pm to 1am, light lunch served, $15 per person or $25 per couple. Ring in the new year at the Legion!!Levee at the Fairview Legion with music by AppaloosaTues., Jan 1, 1-5pm Dance in the Lounge with music by Triple PlayFri., Jan 4, 8-11pm. No cover charge.Weekly EventsMondays – 7pm Bingo, doors open at 5:30pmTuesdays – 7pm Open crib, everyone welcome Fridays – Chase The Ace will start up again on January 11, 2019.The Legion is also available for public rental. For further information on events follow us on Facebook at Fairview Branch 142. The general public is always welcome!

KESHEN GOODMAN LIBRARY EVENTS330 Lacewood DriveBluenose-Ability Film Festival: Beyond Barriers – Shorts Screening Mon., Dec 3, 4pmView a series of curated, local and international short films, made by or featuring people living with disabilities. Popcorn and refreshments will be served. In her newly published book, Devonna Edwards examines the history of hospitals, institutions, medicine, and nursing in Halifax and Dartmouth from 1749 to present day.Craft a Holiday Book Tree Wed, Dec 5, 7pmRecycle some of your favourite books into holiday decor. Learn how a few folds and some simple decorations can turn a well-worn book into a sparkly tree fit for the holidays. All materials will be provided. To register please call (902) 490-6410.Nutcracker Sweet (Ages 5+) Thurs., Dec 6, 10:30-11:30amWatch a Nutcracker Ballet dance demonstration. Then create Nutcracker-inspired ornaments, cute ballet crafts and enjoy a sweet snack, while listening to this classic ballet music by Tchaikovsky! Crafts: Family Card-making Sat., Dec 8, 10:30-11:15am

Ring in the Season Sun., Dec 16, 2:30pmSince the fall of 1998, St. Matthew’s four-octave Handbell Choir, Acabella, has been performing at numerous Sunday services, concerts and churches. Join them for an afternoon of seasonal music performed under the direction of Wayne Rogers. Holiday film screening: The Man Who Invented Christmas Fri., Dec 7, 2pmThe incredible true story of how Charles Dickens created the most celebrated holiday tale of all, A Christmas Carol. See how Dickens uses his real experiences and vivid imagination to bring Scrooge and other classic characters to life, and follow the crazy and madcap rush to get the book ready for Christmas. Holiday Puppet Show: Here Comes Santa Cat Wed., Dec 5 and Sat. Dec 1 10:30-11am

THE ARMDALE FAIRVIEW ROCKINGHAM LIONS CLUBis seeking new members. Get involved and help your community. We serve all of Halifax. Meetings are 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at Jim’s Restaurant – 243 Bedford Highway. For info email: afrlionsmembership@outlook.com

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTSDEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS (COLUMNS, CONTEST SUBMISSIONS, & COMMUNITY EVENTS)

FOR JANUARY EDITION IS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018. PLEASE SEND DIRECTLY TO EDITOR – andy.bertpublishing@gmail.com

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Warm Wishes and Open HouseBy Rafah Di Costanzo, MLA Clayton Park West

Season’s Greetings, Clayton Park West! As we kick off holiday festivities, I would like to invite you and your family to my last MLA event of 2018.

I would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season. This is our time to reflect on the year past and look onward to our aspirations for the future. I wish you nothing but great health and success in 2019.

Please join me for an Open House at my new constituency office location:

Come mix and mingle with fellow community members and enjoy the complimentary tea and sweets.

As you know, my door is always open. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 902-443-8318 or Rafah@RafahDiCostanzo.com.

Warmest Wishes, Rafah Di Costanzo

By John Moore,Columnist

Date: Friday, December 14th | Time: 3 to 5pmLocation: 397 Bedford Highway, Suite 201.

friend saying goodbye. Extraordinary indeed.

In April of 2012 I was part of a group trying to help now Olympian Mark De Jong raise some funds for the upcoming Olympics. We received an email from Mark saying he had dropped an 80-pound barbell on his finger, crushing it. “Holy crap!” and other expletives followed. Mark however kept his cool even though he had upcoming trials in May. Fortunately, the trials were changed to late June to allow for his finger to heal. Through a combination of excellent medical care, dogged determination and most of all a spirit of can-do that wouldn’t quit, Mark not only qualified for the Olympics, but unofficially broke the world record. He went on to win a bronze medal and later became the world champion, officially breaking the world record in the K1 200m race, not once but twice in one weekend. Now that is extraordinary to say the least. It shows what can be done if we set our mind to it.

Do what St Francis of Assisi once said and the extraordinary will happen to you: He said “Do what is necessary, do what is possible, and suddenly you will be doing the impossible.” Let’s make this our goal for 2019. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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Local Photographer Changes Careers to Highlight Halifax!By Bruce Holland

Halitecture Photography is a new producer of souvenir items using impactful images of Halifax’s iconic architecture.

Started by Peter Efthymiadis, a local young entrepreneur, Halitecture Photography strives to show off Halifax’s architecture in fun and functional ways. Making colours and textures of local buildings pop out, Peter’s photography is locally printed on postcards, greeting cards, small prints, and in souvenir books.

“Architecture, insofar as it produces functionality and artistry, and how it expresses culture and affects our lives, fascinates me,” Peter said. “For a number of years, my hobby has been exploring the architecture of Halifax with my iPhone to capture the beauty, the uniqueness, and the cultural statements made by the various buildings that make up the look and feel of our great city.” This is why Peter chose to give up a regular pay cheque for the photography industry.

The concept for Halitecture Photography began in March 2018. “I had a vast collection of photos of buildings on the various Dalhousie university campuses. Dalhousie University has rousing iconic buildings that have always intrigued

me. On quiet Thanksgiving long weekends, I have a yearly tradition of exploring the architecture, taking photos, and reminiscing on campus at Dalhousie University. I developed some photos and showed the staff at the Dalhousie University Bookstore. They loved the photos and the concept of creating a souvenir book to showcase the university’s world-class buildings.”

The book titled “Daltecture” was launched in May 2018 and is exclusively sold in the Dalhousie University Bookstore, in-store and online.

Since this time Peter has been busy creating a collection of souvenir items that visitors and locals can get excited about. Last month the Halitecture website was launched: www.halitecture.com. The Halitecture Instagram page posts two photos a day, allowing locals without the time to “explore and wander” Halifax to at least be reminded of the city’s amazing architecture scenes. Province House has commissioned Peter to produce their 200th anniversary souvenir book, which will be launched in February 2019.

The business for Peter has morphed into a corporate gifting service, especially focusing on supplying conventions and conferences with something small yet impactful and functional that uniquely expresses local culture and is made in Nova Scotia.

If you are interested in getting a copy of the Halitecture souvenir book, it may be purchased at Biscuit General Store on Argyle Street, Atlantic News on Queen and Morris Streets, and at the Dalhousie University Bookstore. This book, which sells for $12, makes the perfect stocking stuffer and holiday gift when visiting friends and family. Win a copy and a 6 pack of postcards by following Halitecture on Instagram and being the first person to make a comment on one of the photos with “Christmas is for giving.”

December 2018 • Parkview News December 2018 • Parkview News6 7

“Nothing bad ever happens to me”, or, “It’s too expensive” are common objections consumers use when declining travel insurance. While we never want to think the unexpected will happen to us, especially when we are in the middle of planning a holiday away from our fast-paced lives, unfortunate situations can arise, leaving passengers requiring immediate medical assistance or incurring additional costs for last-minute changes in travel itineraries.

I have witnessed first-hand the value travel insurance can bring to unexpected situations, both big and small. Personally, I do not leave home without it. Whether it’s a road trip, a quick weekend away, or an extended vacation out of the country, I ensure myself and my travel companions are covered.

SPREADING THE GOOD NEWS IN OUR COMMUNITY

The Bedford-Sackville Bugler

By Marie-Claire Chartrand, Senior Care Columnist

By Melissa Bonn-Willows, CTC Travel Columnist

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Are You Stumped on What to Buy the Senior in your Life?

I have a theory. The older a person gets, the harder it is to buy gifts for them because they’ve had a lifetime to buy whatever it is they needed or wanted. With that in mind, I have come up with some gift ideas for the older person in your life.

Food baskets are great, as you can get their favourite foods or items they may never have tried before. You can order these from the grocery store or specialty shops or to save money you can shop yourself and do up a basket.

If buying is out of your financial range,

then bake or cook up some favorite or special meals and package these up in serving sizes, so they can be frozen and eaten later. Or give a handmade gift voucher to deliver these on a weekly or monthly basis. You could even go bake and cook at their place and learn how to make their favourite recipes (grandkids are you reading this?).

Not much of a cook? You can purchase home-delivered meals. Besides the local restaurants that deliver, in Halifax, you can order Meals on Wheels to deliver a full meal daily, Monday to Friday, for $8 a meal (902-429-4299) or VON Frozen Favourites at $7 each and delivered once a week (902-454-5755).

Other than food, I like gifts that I can enjoy with someone, such as movie or theatre tickets that the whole family can attend later in the season. It’s great to have something to look forward to after the busy holiday season.

Another great gift might be a personalized wall calendar with family photos – birthdays and special occasions written on it; you can get them done up at Walmart, Cosco or Staples.

A big-ticket item is an iPad with lessons. This is a great way for a grandchild to spend time with their grandparent. Older adults are the largest growing users of Facebook. It allows them to stay connected with family. The library offers free one-hour, one-on-one tutoring on technology. There’s lots of games that keep your mind active, and the library has e-books too, where print can be enlarged or even become a talking book. If they find Pinterest, you may never hear from them again.

There are also some practical items like a wireless headset for the TV, safety accessories for the bathroom like a tub grab bar, tub mat, handheld shower or a tub seat. You could pay the monthly

subscription fee for an emergency alert system like Northwood InTouch (902-492-3346).

Purchase other in-home services like a cleaner (Pelley’s Cleaning 902-292-6961), hair care (Liz’s Senior Mobile Hair Care 902-401-4762) and footcare (Toe to Sole 902-434-6070).

If you need gifts for someone with dementia, Keeping Busy is an international company that is close by, in Stonehurst, Lunenburg County. They specialize in activities for different stages of dementia: Keepingbusy.com (800-834-8290).

And, if all else fails, there’s always fruitcake.

Marie-Claire Chartrand is Lead Consultant at Greywave Senior Care Consulting. —info@greywave.com

Traveling with Piece of MindTravel insurance is also one of the first items I review with clients when discussing travel arrangements. It’s important to weigh the “what ifs” and what would be required for certain situations. With so many variations of insurance available, finding the right coverage can also be a confusing task. Travel Advisors are trained and licensed within their province. It is their responsibility to talk to their clients and ensure they have the appropriate coverage and they understand what they are purchasing.

Weather can be unpredictable year-round. Being stranded in an airport or losing a portion of your vacation due to cancelled flights can be costly. This is where travel insurance comes to the rescue. With the appropriate policy, travelers can receive reimbursement for losses, meals, or additional accommodations if necessary.

In unexpected medical situations, uninsured travelers are required to pay for treatments out of pocket. With travel insurance, most times, the insurer takes care of hospital bills directly and will reimburse travelers for medical

expenses paid out of pocket. It’s important to talk to your Travel Advisor and read your policy so you are prepared if medical treatment is unexpectedly required when travelling. Contacting your insurer when a situation arises is also a good idea as they generally have a network of reputable and preferred medical providers available 24 hours a day worldwide.

Occasionally personal private medical insurance and credit card companies offer basic travel protection. It’s important to review and understand the coverage you may already have and compare it to what you may need. For example, you may have sufficient medical coverage, but should consider adding further coverage, such as trip

interruption, cancellation, lost luggage, or coverage for stolen personal effects.

Annual plans are also available for frequent travelers. For a once-a-year fee, travelers can obtain a year’s worth of coverage. Generally annual plans cover medical, interruption, and cancellation within one policy and will cover multiple trips.

Protect your vacation investment. The small monetary amount for travel insurance can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars in the long run.

Melissa Bonn-Willows is a Certified Travel Counsellor in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Owner of Voyages With Melissa. melissa@voyageswithmelissa.ca

Halifax Antique Car Club Raises $8,000 for Building FuturesBy Andy de Champlain

Building Futures is a vibrant organization in Lower Sackville dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities to contribute to their community while realizing their personal goals.

Last month, at their Annual Christmas Auction and Bazaar at the Ladle Café, the Halifax Antique Car Club presented Marilyn Forrest, executive

manager of Building Futures, with a check for $8,000 to support their great work. The money was raised at the Halifax Antique Car Club Show earlier in the year.

The Bazaar included lunch, a bake sale, and many items created by participants of Building Futures were on display, available for purchase—great Christmas gifts!

The Parkview News would like to congratulate Marilyn Forrest and the Building Futures team for their awesome, ongoing contribution to community, and send a big thank you to Brian Richards and the Halifax Antique Car Club for their generosity.

Marilyn Forrest of Building Futures receiving $8,000 check from Halifax Antique Car Club Chairman Brian Richards.

Rockingham Restaurant 3A – A Great Place for an Office Holiday Party!By Andy de Champlain

“We wanted to help the community in our own way.” That’s what new local restaurant owners Carol and Charlie Chen told me when I asked them about the free turkey dinner they hosted back in October.

I first met Carol, Bonnie and Charlie in the spring after they had completely renovated their new bistro at 264 Bedford Highway. Since then, local diners have been impressed by the gourmet meals served at very reasonable prices at this modern, Canadian-style locale.

“The people at Rockingham Church have been very supportive,” chef Charlie said. It’s great to hear that people in the community have welcomed the

entrepreneurial trio, the “3” in “3A”.

I told them this would be an awesome place to have company Christmas or holiday parties, and Charlie agreed. “We could give a great deal for an app, main and dessert for 20 to 80 people no problem,” he said, “as long as people call in advance.” He also told me they’ve just introduced a special kids’ menu to encourage families like mine to try the place out, and when my family dined there last month, the kids’ meals were free!

“Once people try the food,” Carol said, “they will really like it.” Having dined there a few times, I have to agree!

Keep up the great work, 3A!

Roast turkey, mashed-and-gravy, stuffing and fall veg Chef Charlie and co-owner Bonnie putting together free Thanksgiving dinner for locals Oct 7.

December 2018 • Parkview News December 2018 • Parkview News8 9

Bedford Leisure Club Christmas PartyDecember General Meeting of the Bedford Leisure Club will be held on Monday, December 3rd, 2018, 12 noon at the Club House, 1800 Bedford Highway. Lunch will be provided and members will be entertained by the Just For Fun musical group. All seniors welcome.

Cookie Decorating at Sackville Public Library PD Day: Thurs., Dec 6 10:30-11:30amThat’s right: cookies before lunch…’tis the season, after all. Drop in anytime during the hour to decorate your own delicious holiday cookies. Enjoy them here, or take them home for later. Ages 5+

The Probus Club of Cobequid MeetingThurs., Dec. 13 at B St John Evangelist Anglican Church Hall, 934 Old Sackville Rd., Middle Sackville. Doors open 9:15am. The guest speaker will be Chloe Kennedy, Waste Resource Education Officer, HRM. Her topic will be ‘An Overview of the State of Waste Management in HRM Today.’

BEDFORD LIBRARY EVENTS

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Symphony Nova Scotia: Classical Munchkins Tues., Dec 4, 10:30-11am

Puppet Shows: Christmas at Creepy Castle Thurs., Dec 6, 10:30-11am

ALL AGES

Cookie Decorating Sat., Dec. 8, 2:30-4pm

East Coast Carolling Sat., Dec 15, 2:30-3:30pm

ADULT/TEEN PROGRAMS

What You Need to Know About Scholarships Wed., Dec 5, 7pm

For full listings, please check our website (halifaxpubliclibraries.ca) or pick up a calendar in any branch.

The Dal Riada Art Group’s Christmas Art Show Running till Dec 23 at Bedford Place Mall (during mall hours) 1658 Bedford Highway. Landscapes of Nova Scotia, scenery, ocean scenes, animal and flower paintings to name but a few. President Jean Watson invites everyone to drop in and meet the Artists.

Knife Painting by Jean MacKaracher-Watson

RCL CALAIS BRANCH LEGION 162 EVENTS45 Sackville Cross Road Lr. Sackville. Ph # 902-865-9177Dec Lounge Entertainment07 Jim Francis14 Big Deal 21 Metro28 Still Doin TimeWeekly: Chase the Ace – Fridays, 6:30-8pm

The Bedford-Sackville Bugler 9The Bedford-Sackville Bugler8

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTSChristmas MessageBy Darrell J. Samson, MP: Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook

Dear friends,

It doesn’t seem that long ago we were visiting beaches across Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook in scorching temperatures. Yet, December is here, and we’ve already had our first snowfall of the season. Wrapping up these last weeks in Ottawa for 2018, I’m reflecting on great times we experienced together throughout the year. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting as many of you as I could at community events and visiting local businesses.

December will find most of us gearing up in preparation for the holidays. We can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle, buying and wrapping gifts, decorating and baking, etc. We might not be as

aware of those in our community who are struggling and could use a friendly hand. Maybe it’s a family dealing with financial hardship (and too proud to ask for help) that could use an anonymous donation or be surprised with new toys or clothes for their children.

Also, let’s not forget that some of our neighbours may be struggling with what seems like unbearable stress. If you know of someone in need of help—or if you need help—please jot down this information so it’s at hand:

Mental Health Crisis Line 1-888-429-8167 (toll free) Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

After a year of listening to political bickering in the House of Commons, I’m looking forward to more pleasant exchanges of peaceful wishes between people. Regardless of what the seasonal greeting is, there’s one reply that suits them all.

If someone wishes you, “Merry Christmas!” and you’re not Christian, or “Joyeux Noël!” and you’re not Francophone, or “Happy Hanukkah!” and you’re not Jewish, or “Happy Kwanzaa!” and you’re not African-Canadian, or “Happy Holidays!” and you are religious; simply reply, “Thanks! Same to you!” Let’s all try to look past the words used, so we can appreciate the good intention of the seasonal wish.

My wife and I are looking forward to our new granddaughter’s first Christmas. Emma Ruth will be just over one month (and yes, she’s adorable!).

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Many wanted their photo with Marc Garneau during a function at Middle Sackville’s Carpenter Millwright College last month. After being an engineer, a Navy captain, and an astronaut with 667+ hours in space over three missions, he’s now a Member of Parliament and Minister of Transport.

Avive Naturals recently moved to Sackville Drive where they provide compounding services to registered healthcare practitioners across Canada and other health industries in North America. Co-owner Clark Swimm gave me a tour of their impressive new facility. Check out their website at avive.ca

Please Consider Giving a Food Donation During the Holiday Season!Submitted by Atlantic Superstore

Good things happen when you have the food you need to thrive. Jason and Jonah would be the first to tell you this. When an injury forced Jason off work several years ago, he struggled.

As a single dad trying to feed his young son, he soon found himself at the doors of a local food bank—a critical resource where he received the food support and relief they needed

to help get through a rough patch.

Today, Jason and Jonah run a small print shop, and donate a portion of profits to their local food bank. “Knowing that the work that I put in can help other kids and other families going through what we went through means a lot to me,” says Jonah.

Many of us include donating to our local food bank on our holiday to-do list. But you want to make sure you give items that are useful and in demand, so they don’t go to waste. Here are some tips and ideas to consider.

1. Think about the nutritional value.People want healthy, nutritious food for themselves and their families. Thinking about donating cereal? Pick a low-sugar option. Pasta? Think whole grains. Soup? Find something with low sodium. Food is fuel, and everyone deserves good fuel.

2. Helping new parentsInfant formula and baby food are always appreciated and go a long way to relieving the worry of parents struggling with food insecurity.

3. Protein, protein, protein!Protein is a staple for good health, but it’s expensive and hard to keep on the shelves at a food bank. That’s why it’s always on the list of most-needed food items. Think canned meat and fish, canned and dried legumes, ancient grains like quinoa, and peanut butter.

4. Think about your own familyIt’s a simple concept, but an important one. Donate items that you’d be happy to feed yourself or your family. Think about what you like to eat when you sit down together at the table.

Remember these tips when donating to your local food bank. Or make a financial contribution when you go grocery shopping at your local grocery store. Real Canadian Superstore, Independent and other Loblaw grocery stores are collecting non-perishable food and financial donations until December 24th. Every food item and dollar that’s collected will go to local food banks and meal programs right in Nova Scotia.

DEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS (COLUMNS, CONTEST SUBMISSIONS, & COMMUNITY EVENTS) FOR JANUARY EDITION IS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018. PLEASE SEND DIRECTLY TO EDITOR – andy.bertpublishing@gmail.com

Photo & Writing Contest Continuing in DecemberBy Andy de Champlain

We are continuing the Parkview News Photo and Writing Contest in December, this month giving away a copy of the Sherman Hines 2018 NS Winery Guide along with a copy of local historical author Devonna Edward’s excellent book, Sawbones.

To enter the contest, simply e-mail me your text and/or photo(s) on or before Friday December 21st, 2018, at andy.bertpublishing@gmail.com. Concerning guidelines—submitting means you agree to allow us to publish

(and edit) what you send, in this paper and/or on our Facebook page. Participants must live or work within the Parkview News area (refer to the neighbourhoods listed across the very top of page one); include your full name (which would get published if you win) and contact information – phone number and address (which will not get published). I look forward to seeing more exemplified talent this month.

Home Again On October 11, 2015, I stepped out onto the front porch of my new house and welcomed the beautiful fall day. The sun was shining, the air was crisp and the trees were rustling with excitement in anticipation of their colourful show. I, too, was excited. Somehow my hair-brained idea, concocted during a bad case of the winter blues six months earlier, was actually happening. I wondered how many times, feeling lost or homesick, I had pulled out my map in search of adventure, and how many miles I had travelled in its pursuit. Tightening up my backpack, I walked down the street smiling and waving to my Wedgewood neighbors. In the time I had gotten to know them, I had learned that these were good people. These were people who would stop and talk to you in the street, help shovel out your driveway or give you a lift to the store if your car was in repair. These were people who organized Easter egg hunts and recycling drives and came to your door singing carols at Christmastime. These were people who cared for each other and for their community.

Heading onto the Linear Parkway path, I recalled how, at eight years of age, I had dramatically and resolutely vowed to my parents that I was never leaving home. Despite the distance of 40 years and 1,600 miles, I still felt the weight of that childhood promise and laughed to myself wondering if Guinness Records had an award for the longest apron strings in history. Truth be told, what actually troubled me wasn’t that I’d broken my promise; that 20 years earlier I’d moved away from my family in Chicago to marry a Canadian in Montreal. What troubled me wasn’t that I’d left home, but rather, that I hadn’t found another. I moved quickly up the path now, past the Canada Games Centre, past Mainland Park, cutting up Washmill Lake Drive into Bayers Lake Park until arriving at the Chain of Lakes Trail marker. Peering down the long path, I couldn’t predict what lay ahead of me on this adventure. I didn’t know what I would discover over the next eight days and one hundred miles except that — when this journey was over and I stepped back onto my front porch, I knew that at last I would be home again.

This lovely piece was submitted in October by contest winner Jeannette Folan:

December 2018 • Parkview News December 2018 • Parkview News10 11

By Scott McFarlane,Financial Advisor

Phone: 426-2217geoff@geoffregan.cawww.geoffregan.ca

Another Year Behind us, and Another to Look Forward toBy Geoff Regan, MP

The hustle and bustle that comes each December has arrived with its typical vigour. It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone so quickly as we busily wrap things up for the year’s end. My 2018 was a busy one, and I am thankful for that as I continue to work for my constituents in Halifax West. As Member of Parliament, I always aim to listen and understand constituents’ views on the issues that matter to you, your family, and your community. If you have something on your mind and would like to reach out, I encourage you to contact my Constituency Office at 902-426-2217 or e-mail me at geoff@geoffregan.ca. You can also connect with me via social media on Twitter (@geoffregan) and Facebook.

Last month, I hosted my 142nd Let’s Talk town hall meeting. I was pleased to have representation from the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office on-hand at this session to discuss ways to prepare for the winter ahead and offer tips on how to plan for unexpected emergencies. I look forward to more Let’s Talk meetings over the next year in Halifax West, which I will always

advertise on social media. If you would like to join the Let’s Talk mailing list, please contact my office.

Over the past year, I particularly enjoyed attending the many festivals in the local area that celebrate our history, and the diverse cultures that make up Nova Scotia. As always, it was my pleasure to take part in the celebrations and ceremonies here in Halifax West for Canada Day, and Remembrance Day, respectively. As Speaker of the House of Commons, I was also honoured to host the 16th Meeting of the Speakers of the Lower Houses of the G7, where I welcomed international delegations to our city.

I look forward to spending even more time getting out and connecting with constituents and community groups within my riding throughout 2019. I feel very fortunate to have participated in many, many wonderful events and constituent meetings between Halifax West and Parliament Hill during 2018.

I hope that your 2018 was one of health, happiness and prosperity, and that your

2019 will be as well. December is a great time to pause, when we can, to reflect on the past year and make plans and set goals for the year ahead.

Consider what brought you joy this year and think about doing more of this to make your 2019 great, whether

it was volunteering, trying out a new activity, or spending more time with loved ones. From my family to yours, may the holiday season and the new year bring happiness and joy to you and your loved ones.

Time to Review Your Investment Strategy for the Year

As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to review your progress toward your financial goals. But on what areas should you focus your attention?

Of course, you may immediately think about whether your investments have done well. When evaluating investment performance for the year, many people mistakenly think their portfolios should have done just as well as a common market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500. But the S&P 500 is essentially a measure of large-company, domestic stocks, and your portfolio probably doesn’t look like that – nor should it, because it’s important to own an investment mix that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and return objectives. It’s this return objective that you should evaluate over time – not the return of an arbitrary benchmark that isn’t personalized to your goals and risk tolerance.

Your return objective will likely evolve. If you are starting out in your career, you

may need your portfolio to be oriented primarily toward growth, which means it may need to be more heavily weighted toward stocks. But if you are retiring in a few years, you may need a more balanced allocation between stocks and bonds, which can address your needs for growth and income.

So, assuming you have created a long-term investment strategy that has a target rate of return for each year, you can review your progress accordingly. If you matched or exceeded that rate this past year, you’re staying on track, but if your return fell short of your desired target, you may need to make some changes. Before doing so, though, you need to understand just why your return was lower than anticipated.

For example, if you owned some stocks that underperformed due to unusual circumstances – and even events such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma can affect the stock prices of some companies – you may not need to be overly concerned, especially if the fundamentals of the stocks are still sound. On the other hand, if you own some investments that have underperformed for several years, you may need to consider selling them and using the proceeds to explore new investment opportunities.

Investment performance isn’t the only thing you should consider when looking at your financial picture over this past year. What changed in your life? Did you welcome a new child to your family? If so, you may need to respond by increasing your life insurance coverage or opening an education savings account. Did you or your spouse change jobs? You may now have access to a new employer-sponsored retirement account, such as a group RRSP, so you’ll need to decide how much money to put into the various investments within this plan. And one change certainly happened this past year:

You moved one year closer to retirement. By itself, this may cause you to re-evaluate how much risk you’re willing to tolerate in your investment portfolio, especially if you are within a few years of your planned retirement.

Whether it is the performance of your portfolio or changes in your life, you will find that you always have some reasons to look back at your investment and financial strategies for one year – and to look ahead at moves you can make for the next.

Priortize your future with a complimentaryportfolio review.

Scott McFarlaneFinancial Advisor

50 Bedford HwySuite 200Halifax, NS B3M 2J2902-445-6968

Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

www.edwardjones.com

The Halifax Armdale ReportBy Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, MLA

Season’s Greetings! Now that the holiday season is upon us, I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and best wishes for a joyous New Year.

I’m proud to say that, overall, 2018 has been another strong year for immigration in Nova Scotia. This year the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration supported more applications than any prior year, while making the process more efficient. We reached the highest population in Nova Scotia’s history this year and, given current available numbers, we’re on track for another record year. In the first year of the dedicated physician

immigration stream, our province has thus far welcomed 17 new doctors. The province has also nominated 117 Early Childhood Educators through the labour market priority stream since August. Bringing more professionals to Nova Scotia strengthens our economy and labour force, and I’m encouraged by the progress made this year on this file.

Recently, I was pleased to join the Canadian Lebanon Society of Halifax for the inaugural Lebanese Heritage Month Banquet. The celebration was a very meaningful one, and I was glad to have so many join us in celebrating this historic first. Our community also

marked the 75th Lebanese Independence Day on November 22, which included a flag raising ceremony at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. At the event, I was humbled to receive a recognition award from Honourary Consul Wadih M. Fares, and I want to thank him for his deep and longstanding commitment to the Lebanese community in Nova Scotia.

Last month I had the chance to tour the site of a new 400m ski track at Brunello Estates in Timberlea. This exciting winter recreation project is the result of a partnership between the Halifax Nordic Ski Club and The Links at Brunello.

With the help of a $25,000 grant for snow-making equipment from the province, this project will soon expand opportunities for winter fun for residents across our community. The ski loop will be accessible to those who ski with mobility adaptations, and will provide kids and newbies a chance to learn the sport. I want to thank Brunello GM Miles Mortensen and my constituent Lorenzo Caterini of the HNSC for showing me the site and making this project possible.

However you celebrate, I hope this holiday season is good to you and yours. Thank you for your continued support.

Bowlarama Adds to your Gaming Excitement!By Bruce Holland

On a recent visit to my local Bowlarama, I was given a tour of a new game called Halo: Fireteam Raven, the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and one of the most popular video games released in recent years. The original Halo was launched 17 years ago at the same time as Xbox and to date over 100 million people have played it.

As you can see, it is a very popular video game and I can see why! The graphics are so realistic and the surround sound and effects are so exhilarating it feels like you are inside the game itself. It can be played by up to four players and everyone playing has their own

options.

The addition of Halo has enhanced the gaming experience at Spryfield Bowlarama, making it an even more popular place for all to go to have fun! Only five minutes from Bayers Lake or ten minutes from downtown, it is an easily accessed entertainment centre for all to enjoy. Not only can you go bowling, there are lots of games for people of all ages to play, and the food is delicious!

If you are looking for something to do over the holiday season, I would highly recommend you visit one of the local Bowlaramas for some fun and excitement!

For the BirdersBy Andy de Champlain

Let’s talk Snow Geese!

The Snow Goose spends the breeding season in the high Arctic Tundra, but migrates to patches of the United States and Mexico for the winter, occasionally appearing ‘off course’ in Nova Scotia.

It’s typically a white bird – although some are ‘blue morphs’ with a greyish or brown body – and has a ‘grinning patch’ on its pink bill.

They are strong fliers, walkers and swimmers, and spend most of their time resting or feeding. Their diet is vegetarian, and they greedily chomp down grasses, shrubs and other plants, consuming any plant part, from roots to stems to leaves.

The odd one or two might turn up on a golf course or farm field, sometimes with hundreds or thousands of their cousins, the Canada Geese.

If you’d like to learn more about birds, check out the NS Bird Society online, and think about getting outside this winter with some other birders to see what’s out there, on the wing. Snow Geese on NS golf course, November 2014.

Parkview Newswww.parkviewnews.ca

Halifax Northwest Rotary Club member, Bruce Holland, was pleased to present a cheque to Heather Stenason, Kim Taylor and Kelly Arsenault from the Edward Jost Children’s Centre, who are one of numerous local beneficiaries of the Clubs “Toonies for Change” lottery.

December 2018 • Parkview News12

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Best ofHolidayWishes from ParkviewNews!