Gerard Beaton
Congratulations, Gerard Beaton!
Comunn Gàidhlig agus Eachdraidh Mhàbu/Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society is pleased to nominate Gerard Beaton as its volunteer of the year for 2023.
Gerard has been very involved with the Gaelic language and culture from a very young age and is a very familiar figure at concerts throughout Inverness County as an accomplished step dancer. He is also in much demand as a stepdance instructor throughout the Maritime provinces and, more recently, as an instructor at Ceòlas festival in Scotland. His studies in the Gaelic language followed him from Mabou Consolidated School through to the University level where he was also a very active member of the ST FX Celtic Society.
Gerard joined the board of the Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society in 2018 and his contributions have been invaluable over the years. He spends hours each year perusing the vast collections of photographs at An Drochaid museum; selecting and researching photos; and producing the Museum’s Annual Historical calendar. As co-chair of the History Committee, he has instigated and organised a long overdue “Interview Project” with community elders, in order to record and preserve the history of Mabou and area. This is an ongoing project. At the Society’s ceilidhs, he is always willing and available to stepdance and to help out in any way he can.
We are indebted to Gerard for his volunteer spirit and for always being willing to assist the Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society.
Congratulations, Gerard!
Derrick Cameron
Congratulations, Derrick Cameron!
Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society is happy to nominate Derrick Cameron as their 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
Derrick first became involved with the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society when he attended our meetings as a representative of the Community Health Board Volunteer group. He was impressed with the advocacy work the Society was doing to promote optimal Palliative Care in the Strait Area. When his term on the Community Health Board ended, he became a member of the Society.
Derrick continues to be a very effective and active member of the Board of the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society. His caring for and enthusiasm in advocating for the rights of Palliative patients and their families is inspiring. He has been Board Chair for the past four years.
With Derrick as chair, the society has continued to strive, in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Health Palliative Care Team in the Strait Richmond area to enhance the care, comfort and quality of life for patients while they are living in their own homes or in hospital. Derrick participates in and supports advocacy for palliative patients in Strait Richmond and South Inverness to have equitable access to the best possible and culturally sensitive palliative care both for patients and their families.
Derrick accepted the demanding, challenging and time-consuming role as Chair of the Society four years ago. His leadership skills and dedication to supporting palliative care services ensure that monthly, executive and special meetings run smoothly and respectfully with positive results.
Thank you and Congratulations, Derrick!
Volunteer Recognition 2023: Deidre Gillis
Congratulations, Deidre Gillis!
Margaree Area Development Association (MADA) is pleased to nominate Deidre Gillis as our 2023 Volunteer of the Year for her ongoing efforts to support our important Communities in Bloom projects throughout the Margaree’s. Deidre is a steady community supporter in the Margaree’s and has been a hard-working volunteer for MADA’s Communities in Bloom committee for several years.
Whether Dee is helping with our spring planting, our watering and weeding during the summer months or our planter clean-up in the fall, she continues to offer cheerful, dependable support. We couldn’t do our flowers and planters without her!
Deidre is also active with the Margaree Kinettes and lends a hand whenever she can.
We applaud Deidre’s community spirit and are proud to have her represent MADA this year as our 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
Congratulations, Deidre!
Inverness County housing survey 2022
The Municipality of Inverness County conducted a public survey to gain insight into current housing needs between May and July 2022. The survey was available in both English and French. 879 responses were collected.
The data has been reviewed and analyzed, and a report was presented to council on April 6 2023.
View the highlights report [pdf]
The survey results have been shared with the Government of Nova Scotia to inform the province-wide assessment of housing needs which is currently underway.
The provincial government will develop municipal housing profiles for each of Nova Scotia’s 49 municipalities.
Municipal staff will work with the Cape Breton Partnership to create packages that housing developers can use when considering or building a new housing development. These packages will include housing survey results, census data, a list of local contractors, associated bylaws, and any incentives a developer may be eligible to receive.
Housing is a pillar of the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership. It is integral to attracting new residents to live and work in Inverness County. Housing, population growth, economic development, and immigration are closely intertwined.
Municipal staff will continue to work with the Cape Breton Partnership, using survey results to inform mutual priorities.
Beach Clean-Up Bingo!
Plastic Free July is a global movement of millions of people who are working – and playing – to be part of the plastic pollution crisis. Every year, 8 million metric tonnes of plastic enter the ocean – that’s the equivalent to 1 garbage truck full of plastic every minute!
Inverness County Waste Services Department has created Beach Clean-Up Bingo so residents can have fun while keeping our beaches clean and pristine. Plus you have the chance to WIN a $25 gift card to spend at Mabou Farmer’s Market.
Next time you’re at the beach, take a bag with you and pick up any litter you see. Every bit of litter counts.
Download the game rules and the bingo cards [pdf]
Submit your bingo cards to waste@invernesscounty.ca before August 2nd for a chance to win 1 of 3 $25 gift cards to the Mabou Farmer’s Market.
