2023-08-01 Who are the people in the neighborhood features

Who are the people in your neighbourhood? 2021-2023 A collection of articles featuring older adults from our communities in the Better with Age newsletter.

Table of Contents Volume 1: Winter 2021 Robert Goyetche Volume 2: Spring/Summer 2021 Blair and Cyndy Sampson Volume 3: Fall 2021 Anne Leavitt Volume 4: Holiday 2021 Robert Bouchard Volume 5: Spring 2022 Shirley McNamara Volume 6: Summer 2022 Harold O'Connell Volume 7: Fall 2022 Bernice Boudreau Volume 8: Holiday 2022 Helen Slade Volume 9: Spring 2023 Martha Nettleton Volume 10: Summer 2023 Debbie and Bobby Samson

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Robert Goyetche by: Josette Marchand If you have participated in any senior event in Richmond County, chances are you know Robert Goyetche. A long-time fixture in his community, he admits he has taken on many roles over the years. After completing his Grade 12 at Isle Madame District High,  Robert went on to complete a B.A. and then a B.Ed. at St. FX University. After his graduation, he received three job offers (two in Sydney and one in Port Hawkesbury) and he chose to teach in Port Hawkesbury. He retired in 2005 after a teaching career that spanned 31 years. Fortunately, because of that job offer, I was able to live in my Watching Robert work and witnessing his community,” Robert says with pride. easy interactions with people, you probably would not be surprised that he “I loved the sense of growing up  around all of my immediate is quite active in his community. family and a caring community where everyone looked out for Looking at the list of Robert's current and each other. They were there for each other in good times and past service, he touches almost every when the going was tough. I always admired the feeling of important aspect of our lives. everyone rallying around each other for support.” Here is just a sample of what he does: Born into a close-knit family in Louisedale, Goyetche credits · Chair of Louisdale his parents, since day one for instilling the importance of Community Homes taking care of people and giving back. Association and board member for the past 20 years; He says he and his two younger sisters, Marlene and Darlene, grew up in a very busy household · Vice-Chair and member, where his mother was their primary caregiver when his father worked away during the week. Strait-Richmond Healthcare Additionally, they lived with both sets of grandparents and were blessed to spend some time with Foundation; them. Naturally, their house was always full of visiting relatives. · Director / Member of the Louisdale Lions Club /Acting According to the National Seniors Council report on Volunteering Among Seniors, seniors aged 65+ Secretary/Treasurer at times gave more hours on average than any other age cohort, with an average of 218 hours annually. Robert for the last 10 years; Goyetche is among the growing number of seniors who give freely of their time and talents for the · President of the Louisdale betterment of the community. But does volunteering also contribute to the well-being of the senior?  Fleur de- Lis Seniors Club with The report states that: over 350 members; · Member of the Seniors Take Volunteering is also linked to improved quality of life, increased physical Action Coalition since 2016; activity, and lower mortality rates. It enhances life satisfaction and well-being, · Member of the Louisdale Parish Finance Committee, contributes to self-confidence and personal growth, and provides a sense of Baraco Day Committee, Food purpose by providing individuals with the opportunity to contribute to Bank Committee, Good Friday their communities and to society. Meal Committee, etc.; · Treasurer of Richmond PC Robert agrees with that statement. “Now that I am a senior, I see the value of their contribution to Association for the past 30 society over the years and to be an advocate for issues that affect them., \" he said. years. “Involvement in my community helps me avoid negative outcomes such as poor mental health by providing me with a sense of belonging and energy that drive me to beneficial activities that help others.\" However, when asked about his most memorable volunteer experience, Goyetche reminisced about the creation of the Louisdale Community Homes Association. “I had a cousin who was in a guest home in Mabou - - actually there were three from Louisdale. I approached Father Sid Mifflen at the time to see what we could do”. Soon thereafter, through hard work and community dedication, a group of residents moved into a guest home in Louisdale. “This was so gratifying to see,” said Goyetche. “I am so amazed and proud to see their independence. \" If you wonder why Robert gave and continues to give so much of his time, this is what he will tell you: “Volunteering gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I am soft-hearted for people in need, I am drawn to help them. Volunteering comes naturally to me. I just do it.”      We are delighted that we can count him among our own! Robert with his sisters Darlene (left) and Marlene (right).

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Blair and Cyndy Sampson The Busy Bees of Richmond County by: Cynthia Curtis When Blair and Cyndy Sampson moved to Rockdale from Dartmouth in late 2017, their four-hive bee business was still new. Today, Plan Bee Apiaries thrives with 24 hives, 20 of those rented out around Richmond County. Blair grew up in Rockdale, but left for Toronto as a young man looking to secure full time work. In Ontario for 18 years, he worked as a field merchandizer for Canadian Tire and later owned a pub in Creemore, home of Creemore Springs beer. Blair travelled extensively in Australia and south east Asia. Following his time in Ontario and abroad, he settled back in Dartmouth where he met his future wife. He and Cyndy both pursued different careers in the Halifax area. Blair was involved with the consumer wine industry as franchiser for Wine Kitz Atlantic. Cyndy worked in a real estate office for a few years and then later, as office admin, for the Atlantic publication, Saltscapes. During this time, they travelled back to Rockdale on holidays and long weekends to work festivals, visit with Blair’s father, and keep in touch with other family and friends. It was in his father’s house-his boyhood home-that they were married on Boxing Day, 2011. When Blair’s father passed away, the couple moved into his house on highway 247, the very same that Blair grew up in. Referring to their retirement, Cyndy said, “This was always the plan,\" and Blair agreed, saying, “We’re home, right?” A year prior to moving back to Rockdale, Blair started his apiary interest in Dartmouth. In the beginning, he and Cyndy had four hives—two in Rockdale and two in Dartmouth. Since 2017, the number of hives has fluctuated, some winters harder on the bees than others. This last winter was a good one, as each of their hives survived, all 24 abuzz in the spring ready to get back to making honey. Though Blair was always keen on the enterprise, Cyndy, in the beginning, was a little less so. He encouraged her interest by reducing some of her fears—he took her to an introduction workshop at a local apiary that was interested in educating people on honey bees. The demonstration was a success and Cyndy was won over. “A feeling of Zen came over me. The bees were calm so I was calm.” She was changed, realizing, prior to that afternoon, she simply “had not met them yet.” Though Cyndy admits that Blair is still the major force behind the business, she certainly has acquired many skills associated with the trade. She and Blair have taken many courses, both in class and hands-on, to hone their skills and knowledge. Cyndy now performs the propagating procedure of “queen grafting,\" wherein with great skill and dexterity, she turns a regular bee into a so-needed egg-laying queen. It really is a complicated science and a business that takes considerable tenacity, learning, and, simply, a love of the creatures they care for. Between the two, they certainly know their bees. There are three types of bees in a hive and each has a distinct role: workers (travelling up to 5 km daily to gather nectar and pollen), drones (whose sole purpose is to fertilize the queen), and the queen bee herself (who too has only one job--laying 1500 eggs a day). Blair and Cyndy also reviewed the details of harvesting (using an extractor to spin honey from the frames), and the process of getting as much as 600 lbs of that sweet liquid gold into almost as many jars. As for selling their wares, it’s simply “farm gate,\" meaning a small stand at the end of their driveway. The Sampsons are interested in educating the public about honey bees. Prior to the pandemic, they enjoyed taking their reallife display to local schools. “It was, and will continue to be, a lotta fun, just seeing the reaction of kids to the wonder of bees.” Added Mr. Sampson, “we so love teaching and changing attitudes about bees.” These beekeepers are proud to say that their work is their pleasure. “When a healthy hive is opened, it has the gorgeous smell of ripe honey and fresh wood,” Blair beamed. Clearly, the work and the results are more than satisfying. Cyndy and Blair might also consider themselves to be small- time farmers, in a way. Unknown to many, “Bees are considered livestock because they produce a food consumed by humans.” Given that, the Sampson’s hives are officially registered and inspected once a year by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. Their website, SeaBeeHoney.ca reflects their seaside location in Rockdale. But, when said aloud, it sounds like CB—the initials for both Cape Breton and Cyndy and Blair. Also in keeping with those interpretations of their domain name is the stylized bee logo, encircled in our Cape Breton tartan. Years ago now, these long-time Capers likely looked at each other and asked, “To bee or not to bee?” Most fortunate for us is that they both nodded yes and agreed that their new plan “A” would be to become Plan Bee.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD by: Josette Marchand 'Come From Away' or Anne Leavitt lives in Arichat in her maternal 'Come Back From Away'. family’s home. She is currently Chair of the Isle Madame Historical Society and Friends of St. We had the pleasure to chat with Anne Leavitt about her move to Isle Madame and what led John and is a member of the Telile Community her here. Television Board. She is a published author Anne: I am not a stranger to Isle Madame. My maternal grandparents were born here. My and holds a PhD in Philosophy. Grandmother was a woman whose name was Hilda Cutler, before she married. She was the sister of Laura Cutler who ran the switchboard out of that big old house on the Lower Road (Arichat). So, in the summers, both of my parents who were from Nova Scotia, their idea of a vacation was to ‘go home’. And so, they would drag us kids along, as well. We would spend weeks visiting grandparents and relatives and we would come to Arichat to visit my Aunt Laura. Laura died in the early 70s. It was kind of a big shock to the whole family because the house had been in the family a long, long time and it had to be sold. It was one of those big moments in a family’s history where it was quite difficult, at least for them. It was sad, it had to be sold, because there was no one to look after it. So, dial ahead 40+ years, I found myself in early retirement and I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I had been in Nanaimo, BC for almost 20 years with a brief stint in Halifax and I was searching the web for places to live, and Laura Cutler’s house popped up! I bought it online and moved here in 2015. Laura Cutler's house located on Lower Road in Arichat. I’ve been somewhat rootless most of my life, so being able to connect in a small way is nice!\" What has been your experience so far? It’s been great; I really like it. I love living on Isle Madame. It’s beautiful and it is great to live in a space that gives me a connection to my family going well beyond my grandparents. My maternal family has been members of this island since the late 1700s - they are all buried up at St. John’s (Anglican Church Cemetery). People are just great and it’s easy to find things to do. A couple of years ago, I attended a volunteer dinner and was quite astounded at the number of people there. Somebody once joked to me that there were more organisations on Isle Madame, than Isle Madamians – which says something about the community. It does mean people like to get involved. There is a lot of history here and people are very rooted in this place. Do you consider yourself a come from away of a come back from away? When I moved to Halifax, I did a short stint as President of the University of King's College. Following that, I did some visiting teaching things and then decided to retire. It was an adventure, and I had a great time, and it is what got my imagination going about moving BACK EAST. I say BACK EAST and I never really lived here. I have eight (8) cousins in Halifax and there was a huge debate to whether if I was a ‘Come From Away’ or a ‘Come Back From Away’. I have no idea what I am. I just live here. I have moved a lot. So, I am somebody who is not really from anywhere. And so, I will never be from some place, but I have important family roots here. Because I have moved around a lot, I am pretty good at making myself at home, wherever I live.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Robert Bouchard by: Celeste Gotell Many of you would know the music of Robert Bouchard, and have had occasion to listen to his smooth and heartfelt baritone voice on radio, television or in a live performance. I had the pleasure of chatting with Robert recently about his long music career and his love for Isle Madame. Born and raised in Arichat, Cape Breton, the youngest of six children, Robert discovered very early in life that he had an ear for music. He remembers as a young child hearing songs on the radio and quickly catching onto the words and the beat of the music. His first memory of knowing he could actually sing was when he was invited to sing in front of the class and to perform in a school concert. He also recalls being in a rhythm band playing the triangle even before his singing days began. Although as a young child Robert was singing in English, he recalls only speaking French at the home of his grandmother Minnie Boutien; she refused to interact with them in English! Photo credit - Mike 'Sheppy' Sheppard At 13 years old, Robert made his first television appearance on a show called T.R. Ranch with Ray Goodyear as the host. He credits the late Lorna George from Arichat as being the person responsible for getting him on the show. One of his first duos was with Conrad Boucher, he and Robert sang together while they were still in school entertaining audiences with Kingston Trio folk songs. His next duo was with his brother, Wilfred, performing Irish music; they loved the Clancy Brothers. He laughed when he shared that part of his story, commenting, “Can you imagine two French Acadian guys from Isle Madame singing Irish tunes!” He later would play in a trio with Lloyd Bourinot and Roger Murray. I first heard about Robert growing up as a teenager in the early 1970s when my brother Glenn joined his band called Country Strings as a drummer. Robert, his late wife, Giselle, and their band, Private Stock travelled and performed in a cross - county Canadian tour in the 1980s. He and Giselle then became a duo and soon were regarded as one of Nova Scotia's most well-known performers in Canada., doing a a cross county Canadian tour in the 1980's. He was a featured singer on the Oland's Saturday Night television show on CJCB television, appeared on two popular TV shows, The Tommy Hunter Show and Sun Country with Ian Tyson and opened concert shows for Nashville headliners. When Giselle retired from the stage, Robert continued as a solo artist, performing in several US venues in Kentucky, Nashville, Maine and Massachusetts and live radio shows in Kentucky. Over his career, Robert recorded four albums and three CDs including Irish & Country Sides of Robert Bouchard' She's My Lady and Songs of Audie Murphy' a collection of songs written by Audie Murphy which was recorded in Nashville. That's What I Live For was his last recording. Robert was a fan favorite on Christmas Daddies and performed about fifteen times over the years. Five decades in the business, at the age of 74 years young, he admits that while he may be slowing down, he still finds time to play and make music every day. When I asked Robert what it was about Isle Madame that made him want to live here, he replied that, while he has lived in Calgary, Toronto and Nashville, he never liked city living. Isle Madame became his peaceful retreat, a beautiful piece of paradise with an ocean view. He enjoys his quiet life on Isle Madame, the four seasons and lack of the hassle and bustle of a city. As this is a holiday edition, I asked Robert to share a childhood memory. One of Robert's fondest memories of the holidays is walking the one mile hike to church for midnight mass, coming home and enjoying traditional Acadian meat pie. “The house was full of people, neighbours and relatives and we would play music till the wee hours in the morning!\" We are proud to count Robert Bouchard as a member of our community. He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2014 and has earned the title \"Cape Breton's Country Gentleman\" because of his mild manner and his humble personality. A Walk Down Memory Lane Candid Conversation with Robert Bouchard Hosted by Delores Boudreau 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF9f0Yc9YiA East Coast Spotlight with Jerry Samson Robert Bouchard Donnie & Josh Martell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz8X_2SVM7c Flashback from Christmas Daddies Telethon Robert Bouchard singing Christmas Letter (1991) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPv-fq6YQ_w

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD by: Celeste Gotell Shirley McNamara “A trailblazer is a pioneer, somebody who's willing to take risks and go in a path that isn't already there.” When people in Richmond County hear the name While her own parents were never attached Shirley McNamara (formerly Ferguson) many would definitely refer to her as a trail blazer. Shirley was to a political party, her cousin, the late Earl raised in Kempt Road with her six siblings. In 1965, she Wallace Urquhart, was former MLA for married her high school sweetheart, Francis and they were together for 27 years. Shirley and Francis had two Richmond County, leader of the NS Liberal children, Connie who now lives in Wallace, on the Party and then served as Liberal Senator North Shore and Arnold, who lives in the family home in Kempt Road. The greatest joys in Shirley’s life now until his death. are her four grandchildren, all boys! And of course her two great granddaughters. Shirley also ran as the NDP candidate in the Shirley has been a trail blazer, not once but twice, in provincial election in 1984 before she began two male dominated occupations. her municipal career. I was surprised to learn First when she joined the elite club (with Mary Morrison) one of only two women school bus drivers in before Shirley began her municipal career, Shirley McNamara lives in Hureauville. Richmond County. For over five decades, Shirley has She is currently Chair of the the Eastern been a permanent fixture, with the welfare of many she ran and lost once in the1980s before school- age children entrusted in her hands. When being elected in 1991. Counties Regional Library and the someone spends that many years driving a bus of course I needed to know how she started out. Shirley Strait Richmond Health Care first began her bus driver career in Inverness County in Following her first attempt, her former husband Foundation and the Richmond 1968, when her brother-in-law suggested she come at the time ran against the same person, won and County Literacy Network. and learn to drive the bus as a spare. She was then hired to replace him while he was on a leave and then went on to serve two terms. When he decided continued as a spare for a couple of years in Inverness County. When the schoolboard advertised for full-time notto reoffer, Shirley ran again against the same person who had defeated her years earlier, bus drivers in 1972 for Richmond County, she applied and has never looked back. this time was elected and remained Councillor in that District- from 1991-2016 until she When I asked Shirley what the secret is for what many retired. would see as a stressful job driving a bus load of kids, this is what she had to say; “There has never been a One of only 10 other women in history to have served on the municipal council in Richmond day when I minded going to work… and always found County, Shirley played a key role (with Councillor Gail Johnston) in the establishment of the that when you are respectful to the kids, they will Richmond County Literacy Network in 1998 and has provided key leadership to the show you respect back. You need to let them know organization over the years. She has also servedon many committees and boards in her role the rules.” as a municipal councillor. She did admit that on occasion, not often, there were Shirley said one of her main motivations for getting involved was to help people in her incidents, but, when that did happen, she always found it best to talk to the kids and parents privately to community who had less and needed support. One of the things that she is most proud of address the issue. following her 25 year political career is that she was able to maintain close contact with the people she served and helped along the way. Shirley is third from right in back row. Richmond County Municipal Council 2004-2008 Shirley’s second foray as a trail blazer was in the area of local politics. For 25 years, Shirley was a household name, serving multiple terms at the municipal level, until she retired in 2016 when the Council decreased from ten to five districts.

Shirley is also very grateful to have met many wonderful people in the community, with whom she has worked with over the years to improve the quality for life for Richmond County residents. In September, 2020 Shirley was recognized as Volunteer of the Month by the Municipality for her years of time and energy as a community volunteer and advocate. She is currently the Chair of the Eastern Counties Regional Library and the Strait Richmond Health Care Foundation, the Richmond County Literacy Network. She also as serves as a member on the board of directors of the Strait Area Transit. In addition to the public volunteer work Shirley does, she also quietly supports community members, behind the scene, with a project that provides gift cards at Christmas time to families in the area. For the past 38 years, she has been involved with several other community members, churches and organizations who generously donate their time and resources to make the Christmas season more joyous! Her many hobbies include playing Tarabish with her grandsons, small woodworking projects, stained glass work and leather work. She loves to read and especially enjoys a good historical novel, and a good biography or autobiography. Over the years, she has used her many creative talents to gift the special people in her life with projects that she has made, including wooden keepsake boxes for her grandsons. Tarabish is a card game that is Shirley’s mantra for life is Never Say No, there is always something we can do to help people. We just need to look at all the possibilities. popular in Cape Breton. It is played with a regular deck of playing cards, with some of the cards removed. The game is over when one or both teams accumulate 500 points or more. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Meet Harold O'Connell by: Julie Freeman Chief Superintendent Harold F. O’Connell, MPA Who is this man? How is “Harold the Chief of Interpol\", and 'Harold the regular guy'' now retired resident of Rockdale, Cape Breton, different in his day- to-day interactions with his wife Valerie, his mother-in-law Leona, his two sons, his grandsons in Halifax, and his many friends? How does the second-highest ranking staff official at INTERPOL go from spending his days making decisions that direct and affect world security, to finding himself chopping firewood and loving a rustic, relaxed life on this island on the other side of the world? In a word: COVID. In truth, COVID changed the course of history, from perspectives both personal and global. For Harold and Val, two and half years ago, amidst global COVIDrestrictions they returned home from Lyon, France and retired. In fact, Harold and Val are born Capers - the two of them met at St. Francis Xavier 40 years A Few of Harold's Awards ago. A 34-year career of service for Harold spanned INTERPOL, peace strategy in Bosnia, RCMP Long Service Medal and national security in Asia. And more – much more - a curriculum vitae that leaves me in Canadian Peacekeeping Medal awe. How will I find the Caper, in a short interview sitting in my kitchen? United Nations Medal for Peacekeeping (BiH) The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal It’s easy. Harold speaks to me about how much he enjoys spending time with his grandkids Canadian Operational Service Medal in Halifax, and about his passion for boats and being on the water. He also tells me how his RCMP Commissioner's Commendation for early life without parents instilled wider family ethics that live within him still, and the Outstanding Service bigger world developed leadership instincts to bring about ‘Better’ – by listening. “First, do no harm”, he says. “Then listen, because everyone has a need, and a right, to be heard.” In the unique culture that is Cape Breton, with its Acadian and Celtic histories, serving the community and parish is a deep, instinctive drive for survival and comfort. Folks here step up, says Harold, without thought of personal gain, to do whatever is needed. As an example, many years ago, when help was needed for a new church in L’Ardoise, Val’s mum, Leona, turned her home into a boarding house for out of province workers who happily lived and shared meals amongst a full house, renting out rooms to workers. True to that Cape Breton culture, Harold has immersed himself in a local volunteer group, heading up the L’Ardoise Men’s Club. Extensive plans are underway for another season of activities to fill hearts and raise funds for much-needed community support. Harold and Val have travelled extensively in Europe, Asia and Central America, including three years living in Singapore. I asked if he could name a favourite. Beyond living in Singapore - Vietnam will always be very memorable, he says. And again, it’s about the people, the heart, the spirit, the absolute resilience of a population decimated, yet surviving and thriving again. Those values are humbling, and inspiring, the same values found here. They draw in those from away, and those returning, to become part of the story on this little island with such a big heart.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Meet Bernice Boudreau by: Cynthia Curtis The Manuscript Under the Bed Bernice knows first hand how to embrace change and reinvent herself… A career that began caring for young children, to one that cared for the elderly, with a passion to write stories has all led to her path as the author of the recently published book, Intimate Conversations: A Century of Lives Lived on Isle Madame. Bernice Boudreau, author of the recently published book, Intimate Conversations: A Century of Lives Lived on Isle Madame, is not new to storytelling. For most of her life she was a caregiver to both the young and elderly, all the time writing and stowing away stories about those in the island area under her bed. The eldest girl in a family of eight children, Bernice learned to love storytelling from the stories, real and imagined, told by both her father and grandmother. Growing up, her father, Wilfred Samson (to whom her book is dedicated), would tuck the children in, weaving about them beautiful “pretend” stories that put them to sleep each night. She was also inspired to tell stories by those shared by her grandmother—ones based in local, historical truth that were so “wonderful” Bernice felt “[she] should keep them going.” Given her busy young life of raising a family and providing day care to children, Bernice’s collection, published by the Isle Madame Historical Society, was launched in early August this year. Selling more copies there was little time for the art of stories. However, around 1994, Bernice than she ever expected, Bernice’s book was received by relatives of started to make time for her craft on her one day off, which was Fridays. On the ancestors that told their tales. Many were “quite emotional”, some even “teary-eyed. Having the book in their hands meant the those days, she would travel about the Isle Madame area to interview the world to them.” elderly about their experiences. To put her subjects at ease, Bernice tried to Between her stints caring for children, Bernice took care of the make the interviews seem “like visits”; there were no recoding devices or elderly. Under the business name “Loving Care Services”, she looked after, full time, two older gentlemen—one a WWII veteran, the cameras—not even a pen or paper. “I looked in their eyes, and listened intently other her uncle. She continues that care with her ninety-year-old to their beautiful stories. They were happy to tell them and I was more than mother who lives alone in Petit de Grat. “I love to spoil the elderly”, she said. “Often I would pop their blanket in the dryer just before happy to listen.” All details were held in her recall until she drove away in her nap time, then wrap them up, cocooned in the warmth.” car, pulled over, and frantically wrote out all she could remember. For each story, Bernice returned at least twice, observing the same chat-like collection of facts. On her last visit, she would read the story to confirm its truth and accuracy: “It was their story; I wanted it to be right and I wanted it to come from them.” In 1996, when the thirteen stories were completed—ten from Isle Madame, Bernice Boudreau’s care of and interest in the elderly appeared two from Louisdale, and one from Lower River—the book deal was first, well over 25 years ago, when she so keenly wanted to tell their enthusiastically picked up by a local publishing house. However, that company stories, exposing honestly and poetically the extremes of the was sold shortly thereafter to Nimbus who chose not to move forward with human condition as it was decades ago. And she does it well, her the project. Naturally, Bernice was disappointed. But life was demanding, her stories convincing because they are real. She made sure of that, beloved father had just passed away, and she lacked the time and resources to long ago, when she took the pursue further its publication. Stowing the work under her bed, it was met by time and care to hear them another literary treasure , a delightful, magical children’s story Bernice had out, to ask the right questions, written to amuse her children one rainy weekend a few years before. and knit their stories into one remarkable work. Both works may have remained hidden away had it not been for the interest of Susan Marchand-Terrio in Bernice’s other works published in The Cape Copies of Bernice’s book, Bretoner, a Sydney-based magazine. As a board member of the Isle Madame Intimate Conversations, is Historical Society (IMHS) , Susan was aware of Bernice’s well-sourced and available at the Isle researched historical articles on Louisbourg, the Canso Causeway, and the Madame Historical Society origins of St. Francis Xavier University in Arichat. That interest was the invite in Arichat. Please call Bernice needed to bring her manuscript out from under the bed and into the 902-226-9364. hands of two keen and influential local historians--Susan Marchand-Terrio and Meet the Author with chair of the IMHS, Anne Leavitt. They loved her stories—so much so they Bernice Boudreau and insisted the stories be showcased by taking them to print. Anne Leavitt (video).

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Helen Slade by: Celeste Gotell 80 Years Young - Richmond County's Yoga Guru Richmond County is home to many interesting people, all with a As a young child Helen was sent away to a be cared for by the sisters of charity in St Leonards’ by the Sea, to recover from respiratory illness, which was a rich story to share about where they came from and all of life’s common occurrence among poorer people living in the slums of London events that contributed to their personal journey. I had the exposed to smog and coal. Helen remained in their care for three years, only seeing her family once during that time and receiving a monthly parcel. pleasure of chatting with Helen Slade from River Bourgeois recently to feature her in this Holiday Issue, and spending time By 1961, Helen was married at 19 years old and within a year welcomed twin boys. During this time, Helen and her husband Robert were living in Slough, chatting with her was an absolute pleasure and we travelled the Berkshire, UK with her mother, a Spanish refugee, in a tiny council flat - what we now call social/public housing in North America. By this time, her older decades from the Spanish Civil War to the Global Pandemic. siblings had already left home. Helen was sick following the birth of the twins Helen’s arrival in Richmond County in 1992 had a few interesting and had to remain in hospital while her mother and husband cared for the infants. turns and twists along the way. Eventually, Helen and Robert were able to access housing through a new and The Early Years innovative program started by Father Casey, an Irish priest working in England. The program provided affordable rent, with the tenants offering their skills It all began some 80 years ago when and talents. The rent also included an amount for compulsory savings that could later be accessed by the renter as a deposit for a home purchase. Within her family was forced to flee Spain 18 months Helen and Robert had saved enough for a deposit to purchase their first home at a cost of 2500 pounds. during the Spanish Civil War. Helen Fast forward to 1970. Helen left her native England and the family moved to wasn’t born yet, but her grandfather Canada and settled in the Brampton area. Adjusting to a new life, with four children under the age of seven while her husband travelled for his work. was a British subject, and this gave During this time, Helen experienced first-hand what it felt like to be to socially isolated, she knew nobody and did not drive. Fortunately, she befriended a her mother status to seek refuge in young single mother, Judy and they developed a close friendship that has lasted 52 years. Gibraltar with her three older “Nourish your friends, water them, friends are so important as you get older, siblings. WWII had begun and the they sustain you.” evacuation of the Gibraltarians resulted in Helen’s mother, Elena Helen's parents on their Gonzalez and her three children wedding day in Spain. being forced to leave Gibraltar for the United Kingdom on board the Swinburne on July 30, 1940, leaving her father behind who was unable to leave because he was Spanish. Tragically, the Swinburne sunk on its return trip and for a period of time Helen’s father thought it had sunk on the way to London, and grieved the unimaginable loss of his whole family. The Ship's manifest Eventually, he was able to join them in London, and during this time Helen was born. WW11 started, the Germans attacked London and all women and children were evacuated to Ireland. Once again, Helen’s father was left behind. They remained in Ireland, in a refugee camp for the duration of the war and then eventually returned to London where they all lived in a oneroom basement apartment in an area in London often thought of as the slums where many refugees lived. The war saw many families struggle and Helen’s family was no Helen with her father's serving tray for when he worked as a bar keeper. exception. Her father was able to support his family of five on the earnings of a bar keeper. They were eventually given a larger flat on the third floor. Sadly, a week before they were to move into their new home her father had a heart attack and died at 41 years old, leaving her mother alone as a single parent with four children. Eventually they relocated to Slough in Berkshire and the family started over.

Travelling Europe in a VW Van Camper. World Adventures Sailing adventures in the Bahamas, Before finding their way to Nova Scotia, between 1987 and Helen was previously involved with Seniors Take Action Coalition, and co-chaired 1992, Helen and Robert, rented their place in Brampton and the coalition for one year. Helen is also known for her activism, like in this article, spent a few adventurous years sailing the seas and living in Thousands of lobster bands are washing up on Cape Breton beaches. These their sailboat for a couple of years in the Bahamas. They left women want to know why | CBC News. their sailboat and flew to the UK where they began their Helen hopes that her YouTube videos will encourage and inspire people to get European adventure after visiting Market Road in Islington, moving and join in some activity. Helen’s generous spirit is witnessed daily in the London to pick up a Volkswagen camper. This movement was support and guidance she offers others on their life journey. world famous and legendary in Australia and New Zealand as “Helen is a gift! She is passionate about wanting us to be healthy enough to get through the launch pad for many European tours for the budget our senior years and enjoy life.” Dede Boudreau, Yoga Student traveler. It was organized by the Australian Embassy to help people who had travelled Europe and were going back and Over the years Helen has taught many classes. needed to sell their VW camper. For people like Helen and Today, she teaches five a week during fall and Robert, it was a perfect spot to meet new friends, choose spring. During the winter, you can join Helen their new home for the months ahead. For those selling their virtually for a class on YouTube. Check out a few Van it was like saying farewell to an old friend. videos on YouTube: Life in Cape Breton Yoga with Helen. This is especially for the seniors of Richmond County! - YouTube A trip to visit their son at the Coastguard College in Cape River bourgeois seniors chair yoga! Breton in 1992 and a drive by a property in River Bourgeois Lower Body Chair Yoga was a sign to Helen of her future. While she and her husband Arichat senior chair yoga! - Chat with seniors had been looking at property, they spotted one that she fell Arichat seniors chair yoga! in love with instantly. Many phone calls later and negotiations, they moved into her small piece of ocean view Helen in a yoga pose. paradise overlooking Isle Madame. Helen with her four children. Helen has four children, twin boys Danny, and Colin both Danny, Colin, and Adam, who live in Ontario, and living in Ontario, Adam, also in Ontario and Samantha in Samantha, who lives in Montreal Montreal. She also has nine grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Helen always had a love for activity and wellness and kept her young family busy doing many different activities. So, beginning a yoga journey later in life seemed like the natural thing to do, “I have a responsibility to take care of myself”. She began teaching yoga as a volunteer for a couple of years and then in 2000 was provided an opportunity to become certified through Richmond County Recreation. Since that time, Helen has been changing the lives of others though yoga, many students going on to become yoga teachers themselves. Yoga has helped Helen through her own personal health struggles and now she hears back from others on how the yoga has helped them through surgery, illness, and recovery, just by doing the yoga breathing. For Helen, yoga is so much more, it is about friendship and supporting others on their life journey.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN  YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? Meet Martha Nettleton: How a “Young Lass” from Edinburgh Found Her Way to Isle Madame By Celeste Gotell Martha Nettleton has lived an interesting life, seeking out new experiences and challenges from Scotland to Nova Scotia and PNG. She is a born innovator and community developer, enriching the lives of so many, including those in our community. I had the privilege of joining Martha Nettleton at her home in Arichat, Isle Madame and got a tiny glimpse into her interesting life journey. Martha (Menzies) was born in 1934 in Edinburgh, Scotland during the Great Depression, a time when Scotland was still recovering from WWI. She grew up with her five siblings on Leith Street, a densely-populated area in the city centre. In 1950, as a young woman, Martha packed her suitcase and headed south to London  to begin a position as an animal technician at the Royal Veterinarian College. It was there that she met me husband, Brian Nettleton, who was in his final year of veterinary study. Brian left for Yorkshire to begin his career, working with James Herriot and after Martha and Brian married, she joined him in Yorkshire to begin their new life together. Brian and Martha Nettleton, were the actual people in James Herriot's BBC series All Creatures Great and Small. The character Calum Buchanan was based on Brian. If not familiar with the series, check it out at: https://www.jamesherriot.org/all-creatures-great-and-small-documentary/ In 1958, Brian was presented an opportunity to move from Yorkshire, England to Martha and Brian on their wedding day work as a veterinarian in Truro, Nova Scotia. They lived on their farm in Salmon River for 20 years, raising a young family of six children. To ensure that farmers received fair market price for their livestock, they were instrumental in starting a local livestock auction, called  Maritime  Cattle Market . In fact, their own sheep flock, which eventually grew to several hundred, began with a purchase at auction. The first sale took place on April 24, 1959 on the Truro Exhibition grounds. In the late 1970s, the Nettleton’s sold the business and eventually relocated to Cape Rockloaf Farms in Arichat, Richmond County Breton. This move came about in an unexpected way. In order to attend a weekend veterinarian convention in Kentville, they had arranged child care for their family. The convention didn’t meet their expectations, so they decided to do a spontaneous road trip, given the rare gift of free time and a child-free weekend. This trip took them to Isle Madame to check out a property they had heard about; while there they learned about another property and as the saying goes, a long story short, they made an offer and packed up again for the next chapter in Isle Madame. By 1980, things on the farm did not go exactly as planned, so they decided to change their course and seek a new adventure, now that their children were grown and had left home to begin university education and careers. Earlier in their lives they had considered an opportunity with CUSO, a non-profit development organization which sends volunteers to countries around the world. Unfortunately, this did not materialize as it was difficult to find a position that could accommodate moving a large family. With their children grown, a new challenge for Martha and Brian fell in their laps- 1982 they packed their bags and headed for Mendi, in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to begin their next adventure on this remote island nation in the Pacific. Brian worked with the local government to teach local students animal care and management skills at a provincial livestock station. Martha became the Station Manager for the operations. This is a carved wood Storyboard from Papua New Guinea. Storyboards are a tradition of the Kambot Tribe in the lower Sepik region. A storyboard is a carved wooden board which literally tells a story. Storyboard themes include village life, adventures and encounters with wild animals and spirits.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN  YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?   How a “Young Lass” from Edinburgh Found Her Way to Isle Madame During their six years in PNG, they had many adventures and rich learning, living in a culture and language very different from their own. When I asked what was one thing that she found hard to get used to, “Being the center of attention.” Expatriates were the subject of curiosity among local people and it was not easy to remain unnoticed! Brian and Martha were well known and loved during their time in Mendi, PNG.  Sadly, on a trip back to NS in December 1988, Brian was killed in a tragic car accident, leaving Martha to begin a new chapter of life without her husband and work/life partner. Not long after, Martha returned to PNG for an additional two years, this time working at the vocational school in Mendi on a skill development program for women. When she returned to Isle Madame in 1990, she found herself learning new skills, taking on responsibilities for the sheep that were once shared with Brian. Her daughter Sarah There are many different Tribal Shields from PNG, they differ returned to NS from Ontario in 1998  with her young family and in 2001 moved back  to depending on the region. Often, Arichat, and joined her Mom in running the farm. one warrior would be tasked Martha found it challenging to become part of the rural community on Isle Madame, as with holding the shield, while another would fire arrows from there was no obvious downtown area to meet people like small towns often have. She and a behind. few other local women were providing care to some older women in the community and through their interaction and friendship, decided they would start meeting for a lunch every week. They referred to themselves as the Thursday Lunch Bunch. This would also be a way to bring the older women they cared for on an outing. In the early days, they would meet at a small café called Gulliver Tea Room; over the years, word got around and new women joined. The purpose was simple, to gather, support each other, and share stories - another example of Martha’s community development initiatives. As one of the original members, Martha still attends the group which has been going for nearly 25 years. (More to come about the Thursday Lunch Bunch in the next issue.) In the 1990s, Martha got involved in the local Anglican Church, which was an aging Martha with her three daughters: population and very small congregation. According to Martha,” When I brought along my Mary, Fiona and Sarah grandchildren to a church service, the number in the congregation doubled in size”. She was recruited as the volunteer representative from the church to get involved with the St Anne Centre and for several years, volunteered her time to help with many fund raising activities. It would likely come as no surprise that Martha has a connection to Coady Institute in Antigonish, as many people who work there have a CUSO connection as well. Over the years, Martha and her daughter Sarah have hosted international Coady students to the farm for a Thanksgiving weekend experience. In 1999, Martha suffered another loss when her daughter Jennifer died. She is very close to other five children, Mary, Fiona, Iain, Gordon and Sarah. Today, she still lives on the farm in in Isle Madame, enjoys spending time with her children, 10 grandsons and one granddaughter when she can. She has several friends, still attends the Lunch Club, enjoys knitting socks for the food bank and is an avid reader. Martha says, “I love Kenneth at the library in Petit de Grat”. Her daughter Sarah and family, with the help of their sheep dog, now run the farm and, as Martha with her five children you will see in this film, they are fascinating characters in real life too! on her 80th Birthday Check out the video from the People’s Archive of Rural Nova Scotia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoLX0R89Hig

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN  YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? Meet Debbie and Bobby Samson Love of family, strong commitment to community, lots of laughter and a strong faith are what keeps Individuals who experience housing insosecicaulriistoyloatrihoonmanetdlehlsosewnseesersliatferweeaxopt eglcroetaavntece rybr.isikrfdorssusbisntagncienagbuse, suicide  and By: Celeste Gotell Bobby and Debbie dating years Five decades have gone by since Bobby first asked Debbie out in 1972. Both grew up in Louisdale. Debbie was the oldest of five siblings, one sister and four brothers, and Bobby the youngest with three older sisters.   One would think that everyone would know each other in a small village like Louisdale but not always the case, it seems. Though they knew of each other's families, they really didn't know each other. One family resided in the east end and the other in the west so had not attended school together or had friends in common.   In the summer of 1972, a chance encounter at the French Village Restaurant (where Debbie worked as a waitress and Bobby came in after baseball games with his teammates) changed their lives forever. Call it love at first sight.Bobby had just graduated from STFX and was to begin his career as a teacher. After two days substituting, he went out and bought the “green machine”, a 1972 Cutlass. Bobby claims it was the “green machine” that sealed the deal!  During a time when teaching jobs were plentiful, he was offered three teaching positions. In the fall of 1972, he began with the Richmond County School Board teaching French to five grade nine classes. At the same time Debbie was about to begin her Bachelor of Nursing degree at St. F.X. Four years later, after a long courtship and many miles in Bobby’s “green machine\", they tied the knot in 1976. It was a big year for Debbie as she also graduated in 1976 and immediately began work at Richmond Bobby and Debbie Villa, which was newly opened. Her first position was to teach a continuing care assistant course. In St. F.X. Graduation in 1994 1980, she also began working casually at the newly opened Strait Richmond Hospital and soon found herself in a supervisory role. She later became Director of Patient Care.   After years of working as a full-time nurse in different positions and raising her children through their formative years, in 1993 Debbie returned to St. F.X. to complete a Bachelor in Education, planning on making a career change that could open up new opportunities. Bobby had also returned to St.F.X., taking summer courses to pursue a Masters in Education (Administration). They both graduated in 1994. Unfortunately, full time positions in teaching were not as plentiful in 1994 as they were for Bobby in 1972.  However, it would seem the universe had different plans for Debbie. This was around the same time that home care was experiencing huge growth in Nova Scotia; with Debbie’s experience she found her way back into the nursing profession and spent another 18 years in various roles in home care and the continuing care sector.  Bobby and Debbie have four children; Jonah, Jeremy, Janeen, and Jennifer and ten grandchildren, ranging in age from 19 to 5. With one exception (Janeen in Fall River), their other three children live close by in Louisdale. Debbie and Bobby absolutely love being grandparents and family gatherings are a huge highlight of their lives. Many of the grandchildren were born close together, with only weeks apart, so in many ways cousins are like siblings and spend a lot of time together sharing meals, and important life events. There are always organized activities, around holidays and special birthday celebrations. They host family Christmas and Easter gatherings and on every grandchild’s birthday they get to pick their favourite meal and cake.  Debbie freely admits that when she cooks, she never cooks for just two and According to Bobby, \"The Damczyk (Janeen) family living in Fall River, miss out on a lot of meals!\" always makes enough to feed more. It is not uncommon that her 92-year-old mother joins them for dinner and often some of her children and grandchildren in Louisdale find their way over and have a place at the table.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN  YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? Debbie retired in 2012 from her final position as Director of Continuing Care with the former GASHA District Health Authority, following a 36-year nursing career in the community. Since IndivrideutiarlisnwghDo eexbpbeireiehncaeshroeumsinagininesdecausrittryoonr ghoamdevloecssanteessfoarrehaetaglrtehatearnrdiskwfeolrlsnuebsssta,nacnedabiussael,wsuaiycisdew  ailnlidng to step up and take on a leadesroschiailpisorolalteio.nDaenbdbloiewiesr laifleweaxypsecwtainlcliyn. g to lend a helping hand, whether she is organizing We Care Days, volunteering for the Richmond County Active Living Strategy or Recreation Committee, planning activities such as walks in her community, Scottish line dancing, encouraging older adults to stay socially connected, or volunteering for activities for St. Louis Parish. She is a founding member of the Seniors Take Action Coalition, an organization that, since 2016, has been promoting an age-friendly community to improve the health and wellness of older adults in Richmond County. Debbie is also involved in the “Acting Collectively” Project as one of the local assessors that is meeting with older adults in Richmond County. During Debbie’s involvement with the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) over the past 20 years, she has served on the Parish Executive, Diocese President, Provincial President, and at the National level on two committees. She is a Life Member, an honour bestowed on women who have served on Parish, Diocesan and Provincial levels of the League. At the National Convention, the CWL holds a special pin ceremony for every member in the country who has earned the recognition.  CWL members pass through a line up of all past national presidents and the bishop gives each person a blessing for many more years of service.  Over the years she has attended 12 national CWL Debbie receiving conventions and has travelled the entire county. blessing from bishop for Combining holidays with each convention held in August, meant Bobby was able to accompany her on her years of service. these trips. Debbie participating in Flag Ceremony during the National CWL Convention. In 2004, Bobby retired from his 32-year career as an educator, both as a teacher and for the last 17.5 years in administration as vice-principal and principal.Bobby has spent many years coaching minor hockey and baseball. He also coached and managed the Louisdale Baracos baseball team, bringing the team to victory several times as Richmond Amateur Baseball League champs and Provincial Intermediate A & B champions. He served as President (King Lion) with the Louisdale Lions Club, President of the Parish Council and has volunteered for over 20 years on the Finance Committee. He gave as many years in a volunteer role on the Board of Directors for the Richmond arena, before it was taken over by the municipality. Since retiring he has been more active with the Louisdale Fleur-de-lis Seniors’ Club and has been treasurer for the past five years. Bobby presenting Bobby chatting with others Harley Marchand a service pin. after an Arena board meeting.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN  YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?   Individuals who experience housing insecurity or homelessness are at greater risk for substance abuse, suicide  and social isolation and lower life expectancy. Nobody can ever question their combined community spirit and commitment, both involved in many different organizations over the years, taking on many leadership roles. It should come as no surprise that both were Debbie receiving medal Bobby receiving medal with recipients of the Queen’s Elizabeth II’s with MLA Trevor Boudreau MLA Michel Samson Platinum Jubilee Medal. Bobby received his medal in 2015 and Debbie in 2022. Debbie also received the Making a Daily Difference Volunteer Award at the recent Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health banquet. When not volunteering in the community and organizing family events, they also find time to enjoy their hobbies and other passions, with friends and family. Bobby loves watching sports on TV and attending local St. F.X. University and Cape Breton University games whenever he has the chance. And of course, now with all those grandchildren, there are many opportunities to attend their sports games, creating opportunities for occasional travel for both him and Debbie. For the past five years he has been known to enjoy a weekly card (poker) game, a group of ten friends called the Louisdale Poker Club. They meet year around; after a short summer break, they are back to shuffling cards come September. While Bobby pursues his hobbies, Debbie also has many hobbies and passions of her own, including scrapbooking, crafts, baking, walking, her monthly book club, prayer group and spending time with her beloved 92-year-old mother. They both love theater and can often be found in the audience of many performances throughout the area. Some days you will also find them Scottish country dancing. Their love of travel has included trips across the country and exploring many international destinations as seasoned cruisers, including two trips to the Mediterranean with ports in Italy, Spain, and Greece. While in Italy they spent a few extra days in Rome. They have sailed to the East and West Caribbean, Baltic Sea, Panama Canal, Alaska, and Hawaii. When I asked about their secret to close to 50 years of happy marriage, this what they had to say… “We laugh together, and are able to laugh at our own and each other’s mistakes. We have a shared love for our community. Our family is and has always been the priority, and our strong faith has always been our guiding light through the challenges we have faced”.