Better With Age Holiday-Edition

Better with Age Mieux avec l'âge Winter 2021 - Volume 4 A Message from the Seniors Take Action Coalition The Season of Joy and Giving As 2021 draws to a close and we look forward 2022, we can rejoice in the strength of seniors in Richmond County and acknowledge the hardships and losses of the past year. We cannot know what the future holds, only that there likely will be more challenges; that we will need to work together to support those most affected by what lies ahead. In this season of joy and giving, we can explore new and What's in This Issue: meaningful ways to celebrate, to gift to others. We can value the simple things in our lives  - - a hug (now that we Page 1:  can do that again), a full moon, the waves and the warmth Update from the Seniors Take Action Coalition in our homes; we can learn how to better share our blessings. No matter our background or beliefs, this Page 2: season brings a chance to reflect and drown out the noise Age -Friendly Communities and material hype of the season that can be The Holidays Can be A Really Tough Time overwhelming at times. Let's remember, that  for some, Important Phone Numbers and Websites this season is painful. Page 3: As we look toward  2022, let us continue to make Greetings from MLA Trevor Boudreau Richmond County a wonderful place for all to live and thrive. Page 4: Who are the people in your Neighbourhood? Seniors Take Action Coalition welcomes hearing your ideas Robert Bouchard and concerns. Cape Breton's Country Gentleman Take care,  Dorothy R Barnard, Coalition Chair Welcome to our fourth issue of Better with Age. This Page 5: newsletter was developed by the Seniors Take Action Holiday Host Etiquette Coalition to learn more about seniors and their concerns A Walk Down Memory Lane by providing information and opportunities for seniors to contribute to this newsletter. We hope to demonstrate Page 6/7: and celebrate the lives and contributions of older adults in The Locket - Short Story by Cynthia Curtis Richmond County.  As strong advocates for age-friendly communities, we will increase the awareness about, and Page 8: emphasize the importance of, age-friendly communities Don't Fret Over the Holidays for people of all ages who live in Richmond County. Nous sommes fiers de vous présenter notre quatrième Page 9: édition de Mieux avec l’âge. Ce bulletin a été développé Grants Available par Seniors Take Action Coalition pour en savoir plus sur les aînés et leurs préoccupations en fournissant diverses Page 10: informations propices. Nous voulons également offrir des Last Words - Celebrating and thanking the occasions aux aînés pour contribuer à ce bulletin. Nous many local businesses and organizations in espérons démontrer et célébrer les contributions des our communities operated by older adults. personnes âgées dans le comté de Richmond. En tant que fervents défenseurs des communautés Amies des Click here to Aînés, nous augmenterons la sensibilisation et nous subscribe to the soulignerons l'importance de cette collectivité pour les newsletter  personnes de tous âges qui vivent dans cette région mailing list!

A G E - F R I E N D LY communities An age-friendly community has policies, services, settings, and structures that support and enable people to age actively by: Recognizing the wide range of skills and experiences among older people.  Anticipating and responding flexibly to aging-related needs and preferences.  Respecting the decisions and lifestyle choices of older adults.  Protecting those older adults who are most vulnerable.  Promoting the inclusion of older adults in, and contribution to, all areas of community life. Une collectivité-amie des aînés : Social isolation can have a major impact on seniors’ lives. Loneliness Reconnaît la vaste gamme de compétences et and depression can worsen during the holiday season. Promoting an d'habiletés propres aux aînés; age-friendly community involves doing our part to both communicate Connaît les besoins des aînés liés au vieillis une services available, opportunities to get involved, and watching over collectivité-amie des aînés:sement et y répond; Respecte les décisions et les choix de vie des aînés; and reaching out to the seniors on our communities. Protège les aînés vulnérables; Sait que les aînés ont beaucoup à offrir à leur The Holidays Can Be A Really Tough Time collectivité; Reconnaît l'importance de la participation des by: Celeste Gotell aînés à tous les volets de la vie communautaire. While we'd like to believe the holiday season is a wonderful time of year, we Important Phone know for some people this is not the case and can bring up a lot of issues Numbers and Websites for people, like family conflict, sad memories, feelings of loss and isolation. Getting through the Christmas season can be hard. Here are few tips that 211 Nova Scotia can help you manage your mental health and well-being over the holidays. A free, confidential helpline and website that connects you to community and social services in Nova Scotia, in Try to maintain regular routines around meal, exercise, and sleep. over 140 languages. Spend time with people close to you--family members, friends or loved 811 ones, social, cultural or faith groups. Concerned about your health? Wondering if you can Don’t be afraid to decline invitations if you want to. care for yourself at home, or need to see a doctor? Stick within in a budget.  If money is tight, be creative, like  baking or Call 8-1-1 to talk to a registered nurse around the clock, make something special. seven days a week. Try not to feel pressured to have the perfect holiday season. Enjoy 911 simple, inexpensive traditions; and try to focus on the true meaning. This number is for police, fire, or medical emergencies Acknowledge your feelings. Many people struggle with feelings of loss, when immediate action is required: someone's health, grief, or change during the holidays. Know that you are not alone and safety or property is in jeopardy or a crime is in that it's normal to feel sadness. progress. Agree on things that you're not going to talk about with people in your 1-888-429-8167 - Provincial Mental Health and life, if these conversations are triggers for you. Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for If on your own, maybe volunteer and give something back to the children, youth and adults experiencing a mental community. health crisis or mental distress. Available 24 hours a Do something to treat yourself. You are worth it!! day, seven days a week. The crisis line also supports If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out and get help. families, friends, community agencies and others to manage mental health crisis through education, People 55 years and older make up 46% of the population of Richmond outreach and consultation. County. 1-888-347-8888 - Gambling Support Network Not sure how to talk about gambling? Talk to us. Nova Scotia Health Mental Health and Addictions https://mha.nshealth.ca/en Canadian Mental Health Association of NS https://novascotia.cmha.ca/ Centre for Addiction and Mental Health https://www.camh.ca/ Mental Health Commission of Canada https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/ 2

spotlight on: Greetings from MLA Trevor Boudreau I would like to begin by thanking the Seniors Take Action Coalition for the opportunity to address you as your new MLA. The first few months have certainly been busy with the swearing in, setting up a new office; hiring staff; meeting with constituents, associations, and government officials; and my first session in the Legislative Assembly. As Government Whip and a member of various legislative committees, I have duties that take me away from the riding even when the House is not in session, however, rest assured that I am only a phone call, an email or text away. I look forward to spending more time in the constituency in the New Year and to meeting many of you in person or virtually. As many of you may know, our government announced the Senior Care Grant to provide up to $500 in financial assistance to Seniors living in their own homes with services such as snow removal, lawn mowing, transportation for groceries and appointments and minor home repairs. The application form is available online,  https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-costs-seniors- care-grant or from my office. We can be reached by phone at 902-535-2297 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year! Trevor Salutations du MAL Trevor Boudreau Je voudrais tout d’abord remercier le Seniors Take Action Coalition de m’avoir donner l’occasion de vous adresser en tant que votre nouveau membre de l’Assemblée législative de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Ces premiers mois ont été très occupés avec la cérémonie d’assermentation, l’ouverture du nouveau bureau de circonscription, l’embauche de personnel, des rencontres avec les concitoyens et concitoyennes, des associations et des fonctionnaires, ainsi que ma toute première session de l’Assemblée législative. Mes responsabilités en tant que Whip du gouvernement et membres de divers comités demandent une présence à Halifax même lorsque la chambre ne siège pas, mais soyez assurés que je reste disponible par téléphone, texto ou courriel en tout temps. J’ai hâte de passer plus de temps dans le comté dans la nouvelle année et d’avoir le temps pour vous rencontrer en personne ou par le biais de la technologie. Comme vous le savez peut-être, notre gouvernement a annoncé un programme pour les Aînés, le Seniors Care Grant qui pourrait accorder jusqu’à $500 afin d’aider aux aînés qui demeurent dans leurs propres foyers à défrayer des coûts tels que le déblayage de neige, l’entretien de gazon, le transport pour l’épicerie ou les rendez-vous et des réparations mineurs autour de la maison. Le formulaire de demande est disponible en ligne : https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household- costs-seniors-care-grant ou auprès de mon bureau.  Vous pouvez nous rejoindre au 902-535-2297 ou par courriel à [email protected]. Je termine en vous souhaitant un Joyeux Noël, ainsi que la santé et le bonheur pour le nouvel an! Trevor 3 Staying Connected: For more information about the Seniors Take Action Coalition, or if you would like to become involved contact: [email protected] Pour plus d'informations sur le groupe Seniors Take Action Coalition, ou si vous souhaitez vous impliquer, contactez: [email protected]

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 4

Holiday Host Etiquette If you’re inviting someone to your home and they’re grieving, be sure you’re inviting their grief to attend, too. It will be there, anyway. Don’t invite someone with the goal of cheering them up for the holidays. Don’t expect them to put on a happy face in your home. Don’t demand they fake it til they make it or expect them  do something  they don’t want to do, either. Invite them with the loving intention of offering cheer and companionship and unconditional care during the holidays. To do this, you will need to honour and be responsive to their needs and emotions. You can do this by privately acknowledging their grief when you make the invitation: “I know this season is extra hard and you’re heart is hurting. You and your grief are welcome in our home. Come as you are, we’d be honoured to have you with us.” It’s also incredibly loving to honour the reality that it’s often hard for grieving folks to know what they will want, need, be up for, or able to tolerate during the holidays. Giving them an invite without the need for commitment and permission to change their mind is extra loving: “You don’t have to decide right now. If it feels good to be with us, we will have plenty of food and love for you - - just show up! I’ll check in again the day before to see if you’re feeling up to coming over and if there’s anything you’d like me to know about how we can support you.” Your grieving friends and family need attentive care and responsiveness during the holidays, not plans to keep them busy, distracted, and happy. If they’re laughing, laugh with them. If they’re weeping, ask if they’d like your company or your help finding a quiet place to snuggle up alone for awhile. If they’re laughing while weeping, and this is more common than you’d think, stay with them.  This is a precious moment of the human experience that is truly sacred. We don’t need to protect ourselves or each other from grief during the holidays. In fact, the more we embrace grief as an honored holiday guest, the more healthy, happy, and whole our holidays will be. Author Unknown A Walk Down Memory Lane Written in 1977, but set at Christmas time in Cape Breton in the late 40's, this lovely short story is about the excitement upon the return of an eldest son, the loss of innocence, and a father's struggle with health and his own mortality. It is a simple but poignant glimpse, like so much of MacLeod's award-winning work. \"To Everything There Is a Season\"  a Short Story Alistair MacLeod Listen on CBC Radio https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2426405770 Aloysius Boudreau from Arichat, died in 2018, but his voice will be remembered by many for years to come.  Aloysius served the parish of Notre Dame de l'Assomption in Arichat, as Choir Director. His music ministry spanned decades. His hymns and songs in both official languages are etched on the minds of those who had the pleasure of hearing him sing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFCLEFWFj_s The late Stuart McLean, best selling author, award-winning journalist and humorist, and 5 host of CBC Radio program, The Vinyl Cafe also has provided us with many moments of joy listening to his stories about Christmas. Check out the links below: \"Christmas at Tommy's\" at  https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-71-vinyl- cafe/clip/8165451-christmas-tommys-december-26th-2015 \"Dave Cooks the Turkey\" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VmMUM0HW6E Stuart McLean \"Christmas Present\" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2VGg4h6x3c

The Locket by Cynthia Curtis I presented this locket to my mother on Christmas morning in  an envelope, the story inside typed on 8.5x11 paper. I read it aloud.  Then I handed her a little gift box. Inside was a heart-shaped silver locket with the inscription \"My dear Mom, You are Christmas to me\" engraved on the back. Then I opened the locket, and there, inside, was the same story, piled high on 3/4 inch paper (3 point print?), the many pages tied together with the tiniest of red ribbons. She still wears it, with the story inside, on Christmas. The sidewalk along the Canal bridge was brailled with frozen footprints. Their irregular, icy ridges made the walk into town difficult for Jessie, but she thought little of it. Her mind was dancing with the vibrant, joy-coloured snapshots of anticipation. She was thinking about Christmas. It was a wonderful, magical time for Jessie because, year after year, the loved ones she spent it with had always put such effort into making it so--glittery baubles and tinsel, shiny paper and bows, chocolaty squares and melt-in-mouth shortbread. And, of course, the stories of yore and laughter aloud. They were the ones who had fostered her real excitement about Christmas. It had always been about love, about sharing, about all things good. This year would be no different. This Christmas eve morning she was on her way to pick up a couple of last-minute things—a dozen small butter tarts and that special little gift for her mother. The bakery was filled with festive chatter as customers crowded about, all with their own jumble of priorities for the day. Jessie’s order was waiting behind the counter. She quickly paid the cashier, wished her a Merry Christmas and exited through the frosty glass door she had entered. She then headed east along Main to a narrow dead-end side street. A weary little shop with the sign “Sampson’s Silver and Watch Repair” was situated two doors down on the right. The sidewalk in front was unshovelled and the large display window, opaque with time, was empty. Flies of summers past littered its frame. Taped to the door was a yellowed cardboard Santa and a plastic holly wreath. As Jessie pulled the handle of the door, a cowbell advised the owner that someone had entered. Pushing the floor- length curtain aside, a bent, tiny troll of a man peered out and then teetered to the front of the store. He offered a shadow of a smile. “May I help you, miss?” “Yes,” replied the woman, removing her gloves. “I have come to pick up the locket for my mother. You were engraving something on the back of it for me.” “Ah yes,” he brightened. “A most beautiful sentiment it was.” He cast his worn, gray eyes downward. “It turned out very nicely. I will get it for you.” The old wooden floor creaked as he hobbled back to his work room. The concave path in the hardwood testified to his countless trips to and from the register, his lifetime of making good the treasured things of others. “Here it is,” he said. Jessie quickly turned the embossed silver heart to inspect the work on the back. It was flawless; each letter perfectly formed and exactly aligned. The ornate serif script was artistry. “Thank you. It’s lovely,” she smiled. “Perfect, really.” She handed it back. “Yes, it did turn out nicely. You must have a wonderful mother to inspire such an inscription.” He held the locket in his old, arthritic hand. Smiling as though glancing something shiny, but distant, he read aloud. “My dear Mom, You are Christmas to me. Love Jessie.” He paused, then added, “Very nice.” Jessie felt the warm pink in her cheeks. “Well, it’s true and I wanted my mother to know. She’s getting older now and,” she stopped, “you just never know. Christmas without her will never be the same.” Though the man’s wistful smile and tacit nod were his only obvious responses to her explanation, she sensed, from the ever so slight movement of his jaw, that he wanted to say something else, to make some comment about the words she had chosen. But the moment passed. He said nothing and the chimes of the clock on the shelf defined the space between them. 6

The Locket ... Continued Feeling a little awkward in the ensuing silence, Jessie filed through her wallet trying to find the exact change, the twelve dollars and twenty-five cents he had told her the engraving would cost. With the same gnarled fingers that had just polished the locket and placed it in a small velvet box, the jeweller stayed the woman’s hand. “That’s alright,” he whispered. “There is no charge.”  She stopped and looked up from her purse. “Thank you,” Jessie hesitated, “but why? I mean, you’ve done a splendid job, just as I was told you would, and I want to pay you for it.” “But you have, miss. You have paid me well.” “How?” she stumbled to understand. “What do you mean?” \"Oh, it’s a long, long story, my dear, and it is Christmas eve.” Again, he cast his eyes away. “Let it suffice to say that your locket, though not an expensive piece, is one of the finest I have handled.” He paused and looked out to the snow-covered street. “I suppose, through it, you returned to me something I lost a very long time ago, so long ago, I had forgotten to miss it.” He turned to the woman. “And that, you understand, is generous payment, indeed.” For a moment Jessie said nothing, quite flattered by the old man’s compliment and surprised at the degree to which something so assumed, so everyday in her life, could affect someone else’s so profoundly. “I don’t know what to say,” she smiled. “Thank you, I guess. Thank you so much.” Placing the small box deep in her purse, she added, “You are a good man and a fine jeweler, Mr. Sampson. Merry Christmas.” She nodded and turned to leave.  “And Merry Christmas to you too, miss,” he called after her and she made a small gesture of farewell. The woman hesitated a moment, then grasped the tarnished knob. As she stepped into the snow on the sidewalk, she closed the door behind her. Jessie did not look back. If she had, she would have felt compelled to return, to pick up the cardboard Santa that had fallen from the door and now lay face down in the snow. WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT CREATING WEBS  OF SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS PROJECT?   Contact Dorothy Barnard at [email protected] Trivia I How many centenarians (persons 100 and over) were there in Canada in 2020? Combien de centenaires (personnes de 100 ans et plus) y avait-il au Canada en 2020? Answer from last issue: According to Stats Canada, the expected projection for 2020 is 11,517 7

Don't Fret Over the Holidays By: Celeste Gotell Are you struggling to find the perfect thoughtful holiday gift for your kids, grandchildren, siblings, friends? Do you find the holidays stressful trying to shop, dealing with financial concerns, feeling lonely perhaps? Far too often, we can put additional stress on ourselves and get caught up in the consumerism of the holidays. If you find buying gifts for all the special people in your life stressful, why not consider a different approach this year?        One way to express your love and gratitude is by sharing your own gifts with the people you love.        Many of you have so many skills, talents and gifts within you. Get your creative juices going and leave            the shopping stresses behind.                                              All those photos of your kids and grandkids you have from days gone by, spilt them                                                  up and make an old fashioned photo album. One year, my father did this and it                                                   meant so much.                       If you are someone who enjoys a craft or other hobby, make a quilt, crochet a lap blanket while watching TV, knit some nice comfy socks, or maybe build a few outdoor wooden planters for the spring. If you like to bake and cook, there’s nothing like home cooked meals and baking favourite recipes. This is especially enjoyable if there is a memory attached or it celebrates your traditions and culture. If you have young grandchildren, read them a bed time story over the phone or on Facebook, Zoom or FaceTime. Do you like to write? Pen a few hand written letters sharing memories about days gone by. Send the letters out every month. Begin with “One Christmas morning.” Are you musically inclined? Sing a song, or play a tune, get someone to make a video of you. It will be a treasured keepsake for years to come. Maybe you have always wanted to be a writer. Write a story like the one featured in our newsletter by Cynthia that she gave to her mother one year for Christmas. Or maybe consider a gift that keeps giving, like creating a hand-written gift certificate that says you will make a batch of cookies, home-made bread, or another favourite recipe, once a month for the year. Finally, one of the best ways to reduce feelings of loneliness is to share the gift of time with people we care about. No matter what your budget is, hanging out chatting, making a phone call, organizing a FaceTime session, or even sending off a quick email or text can bring joy to the season. Remember that our time is perhaps the most precious gift we can offer.  A few hours spent together can mean the world to family members and friends. Did you know that when you take a membership with the library many services are available to you? And that a library membership is free. You can download books, access digital content. They have large print books, and you can borrow movies and videos. For more information check out their website at https://ecrl.ca. 8

GRANTS AVAILABLE for organizations  and individuals The Nova Scotia COVID Relief (NSCR) Fund was established by the Government of Nova Scotia from the Federal Safe Restart Agreement in April 2021. This fund supports low-income Nova Scotians struggling to pay their home heating or electric bill as a result of income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding provides one-time assistance of up to $400. COVID Relief Fund - Maritime Division (salvationarmy.ca) The Heating Assistance Rebate Program helps low- Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence - income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating. Helps homeowners pay for home adaptations Rebates range from $100 to $200. You can apply until so seniors with low incomes can stay in their homes 31 March, 2022. independently for longer periods of time.   https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-heating-assistance- A one-time forgivable grant of up to $3,500 is rebate-heating-assistance-rebate-program available. https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/ho using-programs-seniors/home-adaptations-seniors- Seniors Care Grant - NEW independence Service Nova Scotia & Internal Services will deliver a new grant Senior Citizens Assistance Program - Provides program on behalf of the Department of Seniors and Long-term assistance to senior homeowners (age 65+) who Care. The Seniors Care Grant will be an annual reimbursement would like to remain in their own homes, but cannot program of up to $500 to help cover the costs of household services. afford necessary repairs.  It can be used to reimburse costs for such things as snow removal, https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/housing- home repairs, lawn care, grocery delivery, and more. It is available to programs-seniors/senior-citizens-assistance- homeowners and renters. program The applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the program: Call one of our caseworkers today at 1-844-424-5110. They must still reside in their home. HomeWarming offers home The property or lease agreement must be in their name or energy assessments and include their name. upgrades for income-qualified They are 65 years of age or over. homeowners, at no cost for They have an annual household net income of $37,500 or less. people living on lower incomes. Applicants can submit online atwww.novascotia.ca/seniorscaregrant For qualifying homeowners, if or by paper. Paper applications will be available at MLA offices as determined that  upgrades like well as Access Nova Scotia Offices. Applicants have until May 31, draft-proofing and insulation 2022, to apply for the grant. will help reduce your heating For more information please visit and power bills, upgrades can www.novascotia.ca/seniorscaregrant or call 1.800.670.4357. be installed  at absolutely no cost to you. Apply Here. Property Tax Rebate for Seniors helps low-income Seniors Can! (Aînés Debout!) is an initiative of HelpAge seniors with the cost of municipal residential property Canada designed to help low income seniors across taxes. Rebates are 50% of what you paid on last year’s Canada avoid isolation and loneliness and to engage property taxes, up to a maximum of $800. You can apply more fully with their communities.  Visit: https://helpagecanada.ca/seniors-can/  until 31 December 2021. https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-property-tax-rebate- Well-Being Grants of up to $10,000 Innovative Programming Grants of up to $10,000 property-tax-rebate-seniors Emergency Relief Grants of up to $10,000 The Government of Canada supports organizations that maintain seniors’ quality of life by keeping them active and engaged. With this funding, your organization could make a positive impact in seniors’ lives. Organizations have until December 21, 2021, to apply for funding http://ow.ly/cRxU50GVsC6 9

LAST WORDS Celebrating and thanking the many local businesses and organizations in our communities operated by older adults. In this issue we decided to feature a business that celebrates the holidays all year long and lives on by the next generation. Glad Tidings By: Cynthia Curtis What a wonderful example of an older adult from our community entrusting her business to the next generation and ensuring the longevity of a business with strong roots in Richmond County. Dillon recognized the tremendous opportunity to embrace Marion McLeod’s vision and keep that dream alive. According the Dillon, she was “ahead of her time, buying and shipping unique, high-quality Christmas decor that just could not be found locally.” One recent Saturday morning, Julie and I headed into St. Peter’s  to To contact Dillon Carter:  enjoy  a coffee and sweet treat. As usual, the newly established 902-785-4028 Farmer’s Pantry  on Grenville Street was busy with like-minded http://www.gladtidingschristmasshoppe.com/  patrons. We managed to find a nice, comfy seat on the leather couch by the entrance and chatted about the upcoming Christmas season. Ideas on gifts, baking, and décor naturally lead us to deciding to visit the Christmas headquarters in town, Glad Tidings. Owner, Dillon Carter, greeted us as we entered. His enthusiasm about all things Christmas is evident in every corner of his shop. Though his front rooms include a chocolate emporium, some seasonal clothing and many exclusive home décor items, the rooms to the back are simply a Christmas wonderland of glittering lights, ornaments, and unique festive pieces. It is a store that begs you, all year round, to take your time, look about, and find that perfect gift, home accent, or Christmas treasure. Curious about the shop’s history, we learned from Dillon that, in fact, it goes back to 1992--almost thirty years ago. It was then that Marion McLeod started a year- round Christmas shop in her large garage that blossomed to include her basement as well. One of Nova Scotia’s first full time specialty Christmas stores, Marion was inspired by similar shops in Florida. According the Dillon, she was “ahead of her time, buying and shipping unique, high-quality Christmas decor that just could not be found locally.” After 24 years in business, with clients all across Canada and parts of the US and Europe, Glad Tidings had become known world-wide in the Christmas decor and gift show business.  Mrs. McLeod certainly succeeded in making her store--in the tiny Cape Breton town of St. Peter’s--one of the brightest stars in the Christmas décor and gift-giving industry. If you have comments, feedback and Continued on next page ideas for future issues let us know at 10 [email protected] Si vous avez des commentaires, des réactions et des suggestions pour nos prochaines publications, faites-le nous savoir à [email protected]

Glad Tidings ... continued This unique throw, featuring the map of Cape Breton is an exclusive design by Marion MacLeod, and is available only at Glad Tidings Christmas Shoppe St. Peters Nova Scotia. Dillon secured the rights to this design/image when he bought the store from Marion. Marion's Christmas store legacy lives on in this exclusive item only available at Dillon's Glad Tidings. When Marion decided to leave her merchandising  days behind and move closer to family in PEI, Dillon recognized the opportunity to take over, continuing the 'Christmas all-year-round' tradition in St. Peter’s. Already running Diddles Café in the front part of 9969 Grenville, he took on additional space in the building when he bought Glad Tidings from Marion in  2017. Mid October, 2019, Dillon decided to close Diddles and use the space exclusively for home and Christmas décor. Then Covid-19 happened and things changed again. Still interested in the sweets that Diddles had to offer, he experienced a eureka moment to open St. Peter’s first chocolate shop, one that offers up to 34 different handcrafted chocolates. It was that perfect partnership we enjoyed upon our visit to Glad Tidings—sweet treats and Christmas sparkle. What a winning retail combination! Now Dillon has bought the entire main street building and is leasing one of the larger upper rooms to the Oceanview Wildlife Museum. Home to this significant cultural tourist stop, the iconic Glad Tidings building is sure to be abuzz all year round. Following in Marion McLeod’s example, Dillon is well aware of what must be done to keep his business current, unique, and successful. He knows that he “must really listen  to [his] customers,…[consider] the good advice of [his] sales reps… [and] pick out the higher quality stuff with a good price-point.” Dillon admits that he is excited about now and about the future. “I absolutely love what I do,” he smiled. But this truth was obvious  the moment we walked in. Glad Tidings Confectionary & Gifts Christmas Shoppe is indeed a special, magical place to be. Check out Glad Tidings Christmas Shoppe on Facebook Newsletter Committee Newsletter Design Celeste Gotell Celeste Gotell and Janelle AuCoin Cynthia Curtis Julie Freeman Health Promotion Team Mental Health and Addictions 10 Nova Scotia Health