1. education
2. school

EXPLORE LIFE
Recreation Selections Close to Home
Winter 2015
• Roller Derby Arrives!
• A Week in the Life of a
Community School
• Mary Moland Inspires
www.Facebook.com/ChesterMunicipality
@ChesterRecParks
Overview of
Volunteer
Management
The Lunenburg Queens Volunteer Partnership is pleased to offer an Overview of Volunteer Management workshop
that will expand or upgrade your knowledge and management skills to ensure the success of your volunteer
program. Whether you support 1 or 100 volunteers, you are welcome to join us and develop the skills to recruit,
select, motivate, train and manage volunteers in your program. Facilitated by Leslie Taylor, Coordinator of the
South Shore Helping Hands Program & Judy Miller, Coordinator of Volunteers at the South Shore District Health
Authority.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
5:30-8:00 pm
Economic Centre, 373 King Street, Bridgewater
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Following the Overview of Volunteer Management workshop, we will offer practical and hands on breakout
sessions that dive deeper into areas of the volunteer management cycle. You are welcome to bring work to these
sessions and receive feedback and tips in the follow areas.
• Orientation, Training & Engagement
• Recruitment & Position Descriptions
• Volunteer Screening
• Support, Supervision, Feedback & Follow Up
Breakout sessions will be facilitated by volunteer sector professionals in Lunenburg and Queens counties. Dates to
be determined at the Overview of Volunteer Management workshop. Participants are welcome to attend any and
all workshops and sessions.
The Lunenburg Queens Volunteer Partnership has a mandate to grow community capacity and can offer Resources, Workshops, Volunteer/
Organization Matching Services, Youth & Volunteerism Display Booth & Presentations.
Registration & Information:
Tara Jaskowiak - Volunteer Navigator
902-298-2463
volunteernavigator@icloud.com
www.facebook.com/LQVolunteerPartnership
www.lqvp.wordpress.com
Winter 2015
Chad Haughn,
Director of Recreation and Parks
Cosette Howlett,
PRO Kids Coordinator
Debbie Harnish,
Administrative Assistant
Jody Conrad,
Community School Coordinator
Trishe Colman,
Municipality of Chester Community
Coordinator
Gord Tate,
Active Living and Active
Transportation Coordinator
6
12
A Week in the Life of
A Community School:
The schedule is packed
in our well used schools
Know Your
Neighbour:
Celebrating active
citizens and leaders in
our communities
18
22
Recreation
Selections Close
to Home
Make it and Live
it: Considering the
importance of recreation
and community
partnerships
Natural playspace
workshop recap
photo credit: Richard Lafortune
Recreation Staff EXPLORE LIFE:
Learn to navigate through the pack. Page 17
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
DEPARTMENTS
Cover Shot: Roller derby is
enjoying a resurgence. Women
and girls across the province are
finding a new passion. See page
17. Photo Credit: Andrea Crowell
Municipality of Chester
Recreation & Parks Department
151 King Street
PO Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
A Note from Chad
News & Notes
A Week in the Life...
Know Your Neighbours
Make it and Live it
Storm Cancellation
In Season
Staff Profile
Where is This?
4
4
6
12
18
21
22
23
24
Food for Thought
Dancing
Day Trip
Hiking
Info & Education
Safety
Yoga
Zumba
Physical Activities
8
8
8
9
9
14
14
16
16
phone: 275-3490
fax: 275-3630
email: recreation@chester.ca
www.chester.ca
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
3
A Note from Chad
volunteering for a local group.
In this issue of explore life we hope
that you take some cues from Mary
Moland and are inspired to walk a
little more every day. Walking is the
number one activity that most people
enjoy but a lot of us could use some
As usual, we want everyone to “Take
The Roof Off Winter” and get outside
this Winter and have some fun in the
snow. You can sign up and go on one
of our guided hikes (pg. 9) or you can
get the family outside for some good
old fashioned snowman and snow fort
making. Don’t forget about the public
skates at the Chester Rink, the free
Thursday lunch time skates (pg. 16) or
check out the free family curling at the
Chester Curling Club (pg. 21).
Trail changes
improve
safety and
sustainability
slippery trail section. Consequently,
trail travellers on foot or wheel often
chose to use the entrance at Walk
Cut Road-a private road.
so that erosion is much less of a
factor now. A new trail crossing sign
also increases the visibility of the
location.
This Fall we set out to make several
improvements. First, we re-aligned
the trail to create what is known as
a ‘rolling curve’. Less tight than a
‘switchback’, a rolling curve creates
Shortly on the heels of the major
earthwork heavy rains were forecast.
We chose to tarp the new soil areas
to prevent erosion. We have now
gone through several heavy rains
Passers-by have likely noticed some
changes at the trail crossing and
entrance on highway 3 near the
Visitor Information Centre in Chester.
Previously, the trail ascended a steep
hill up, en route to Marriott’s Cove.
It was impossible to keep the trail
tread in place as rainwater coming
down the slope would frequently
wash it away. Cyclists and walkers
were left to negotiate a bumpy and
two, gentler inclines which makes it
easier on leg muscles and mitigates
the impacts of spinning bike and ATV
tires. We added a handrail to assist
those who need it, and changed the
highway 3 junction alignment so that
all users are able to slow down and
to not meet the road abruptly at a
right angle. Kudos to the contractors
who seem to have gotten the
inslope/outslope drainage just right
with everything intact so we’re glad
that we did. The schedule now
is to return in the spring with a
landscaping plan. A new bench will
also be installed on the mid-slope
landing. We recognize that this site
serves as a gateway to the Village so
we want to create an attractive and
lasting streetscape feature.
Most people know that the Recreation
& Parks Department has an interest
to build a more active and healthy
community. We want everyone to
enjoy the benefits that come from
taking a dance class, learning how
to paint, walking on the trail or
NEWS
We have some very specific goals
that we would like to achieve and
these are outlined in the updated
Active Living Strategy which was
adopted by Council this past Fall. We
know that we can make an impact if
we focus on things such as outdoor
recreation, daily walking and biking or
assisting isolated populations. If you
are interested in reading more about
our Active Living Strategy visit www.
chester.ca>Resources>Document
Library>Strategic Planning>Active
Living Strategy 2014.
additional steps in our day. Don’t
let the weather be an excuse not to
walk over the Winter. Embrace the
conditions and dress properly if you’re
walking outside or there are some
indoor options like the “Walk to the
Principals Office” at Forest Heights (pg.
20) or Indoor Walking in Blandford (pg.
21).
4
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
News and Notes
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER
CALL FOR VOLUNTEER NOMINATIONS
We want every community group to nominate one volunteer from their group to be recognized at
the Municipality of Chester Volunteer Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. From
all the nominations, one individual will be
selected to represent the Municipality of
Chester at the Provincial Awards Ceremony
in Halifax. Nominees must be residents of
the Municipality of the District of Chester.
Application forms can be picked up at the
Municipality of Chester Recreation & Parks
Department, located at 151 King Street,
Chester or on our website at: www.chester.ca
For more info call Chad Haughn, Recreation
& Parks Director at 275-3490 or email
chaughn@chester.ca.
Deadline to submit nominations is Friday, February 6, 2015.
Municipality of Chester
Recreation & Parks Department
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT
The Municipality of Chester Recreation & Parks
Department is seeking applications from students who
would like to be part of our summer staff team. We
need students to organize special events and plan
summer recreation programs. If you are creative, outgoing, energetic, and enjoy
working with youth and the public, submit your resume to:
Municipality of Chester
Recreation & Parks Department
ATTN: Jody Conrad
151 King St., PO Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
Email: jconrad@chester.ca
* Deadline to apply for University Positions is
Friday, March 13th, 2015
Phone: 275-2712
Fax: 275-3630
* Deadline to apply for High School positions is
Friday, April 24th, 2015
Only those applicants selected for an interview will
be contacted.
Want updates on what’s happening at the
Recreation Department? Scan the QR code
and follow us on Twitter.
Second Call for
Recreation Grants
Deadline
February 6
Attention Non-Profit
Community Groups!
If you have a recreation
program, activity or facility
in the Municipality of
Chester and you have not
received a grant this year,
you may be eligible for
funding.
Application Deadline
Friday, February 6, 2015.
For an application or
more information contact
the Recreation & Parks
Department at 275-3490.
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
5
A Week in the Life of a
Community School
I
t’s 5:00 pm on Monday and
Yvonne Hennigar, Evening
Supervisor at Forest Heights
Community School (FHCS), has
arrived early “at the helm” to get
organized for activities scheduled
for that night at FHCS. Tonight
will be a typical Monday night,
but will be busy as the activities
slated for tonight attract a large
number of participants. She
double-checks the active schedule
that resides on the desk in the
Community School Coordinator
office to see if there have been
any last-minute changes and then
prepares the welcome board:
5:30 – Cheerleading, 6:30 – Hall
Walking, 8:00 – floor-hockey. She
checks and prepares the cashbox and does her rounds to make
sure there are no hazards in the
building. As she makes her way
through the building, she chats
with Custodial staff to confirm
the planned events for the night.
She then settles in behind the
welcome desk in preparation for
greeting members of the public
arriving for activities. Yvonne
keeps a sign-in sheet at the
desk to track individuals in the
building in case of emergencies
and for “level of use” records.
She also receives payments for
those groups and individuals
that are renting or paying a fee
tonight, and helps new visitors,
group members, and program
instructors get oriented to the
space.
At the same time, Don Ruston
arrives. Don is scheduled as Gym
Supervisor here on Mondays
and Wednesdays throughout
the fall and spring. His role is to
provide personal training services
to members of the public using
the fitness centre, and to provide
supervision, first aid, and other
supports to those using the
gymnasium space. Don connects
with Yvonne to verify the schedule
and to say hello, picks up a first aid
kit and his files from
the main office, and
heads downstairs to
the gym area.
This process repeats
itself each night
throughout fall,
winter and spring.
Many activities are
scheduled weekly,
season by season
(like Monday night
floor-hockey for
example), but others
are one-off events
or meetings that add
something different
to each night. All in
all, it makes for a very
busy building with a
very wide variety of
activities happening
in the school on any
given week. Things
fortunate in our Municipality
change for the summer when the
to actually have two formal
school becomes headquarters
Community Use Schools: Forest
for summer Recreation and Parks
Heights Community School (as
youth programs, housing summer
staff on-site.
FHCS Rental Rates
See page 7 for
Non-profit
Commercial
an example of
Gymnasium
$15/hour
$30/hour
a busy weekly
Cafeteria
$12/hour
$24/hour
schedule for
Classroom
$9/hour
$18/hour
FHCS taken
Birthday Parties
$50 (includes 3 hours of gym use plus the use
from midof all sport equipment)
November.
We are
6
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
Fitness Centre
$5 drop-in; 10 sessions for $40; or 3 months
for $75
for a meeting, celebration, or
a gathering of any kind – let us
know. To inquire about use of
either of the schools, contact the
Community School Coordinator at
275-2712 or jconrad@chester.ca.
Clockwise from
opposite page.
A variety of
activities happen
everyday at
Forest Heights.
From team
athletics and
extra-curricular
activities like
floor hockey and
table tennis, to
yurt workshops,
community
meetings, and
birthday parties.
...A Busy Week at FHCS
Monday, November 3
Room
Time
B-ball S
gym
3:00-5:00
Wrestling S
caf
3:00-5:15
Cheerleading R
gym
5:30-7:45
Floor-hockey R
gym
8:00-9:30
Hall Walking P
upper halls
6:30-8:30
Fitness Centre P
mentioned) in Chester Grant
and Aspotogan Consolidated
Elementary School (ACES) in
Hubbards/Mill Cove. Both schools
were developed as Community
Schools from the beginning (FHCS
in 1992 and ACES in 2000). In both
cases, an agreement is in place
between the South Shore Regional
School Board and the Municipality
of the District of Chester (as well
as the Ashford Consortium in the
case of ACES) which formalizes the
ability of the public to access these
spaces in an easy and affordable
way.
In addition to the schools being
available for rent, recreation
programming also takes place for
the schools, making them a centre
for community activity, education,
and fun. These programs are listed
seasonally in our Explore Life
ACES Rental Rates
Non-profit
Gymnasium
$15/hour
Cafeteria & Music Room
$10/hour
Other Rooms
$8/hour
Small Meeting Room
$6/hour
recreation guide and are organized
by the Community School
Coordinator. As a result of rentals
and organized programs, the
variety of activities and functions
taking place in our community
schools range from fitness classes
and meetings of non-profit
community groups, to dog agility
classes and model airplane flying!
Yvonne and Don are two of
eight Municipal Recreation and
Parks Department staff working
at our community schools in
the evenings. There are 3 other
Gym Supervisors at FHCS and
another entire staff team at
ACES. In addition, the Community
School Coordinator is a full-time
Municipal staff position within the
Recreation and Parks Department.
The position is tasked with
coordinating the public use of the
two schools,
including
Commercial
programming
$30/hour
and
scheduling.
$20/hour
If you need
$16/hour
a place
$12/hour
6:00-9:00
Tuesday, Nov 4
Room
Time
V-ball S
gym
3:00-5:45
Girl’s B-ball S
gym
5:45-7:30
Driver Ed R
134
3:00-6:00
B-ball drop-in P
gym
7:30-9:00
Junior Achievement R
223
6:30-9:00
4H R
249
6:45-9:30
Fitness Centre P
6:00-9:00
Wednesday, November 5
Room
Time
Boy’s B-ball S
gym
1:45-3:15
Wrestling S
caf
3:00-5:15
Minor Hockey R
gym
6:00-7:15
Hall Walking R
upper halls
6:30-8:30
Spanish P
223
6:00-7:30
B-ball drop-in P
gym
7:30-9:00
Fitness Centre P
6:00-9:00
Thursday, November 6
Room
Time
V-ball game S
gym
4:00-6:00
Club Wrestling P
caf
7:00-9:00
Floor Hockey R
gym
7:30-9:00
Fitness Centre P
7:00-9:00
Friday, November 7
Room
Time
Boy’s B-ball S
gym
3:00-5:00
Cheerleading R
gym
5:30-7:30
Women’s Soccer R
gym
7:30-8:30
Saturday, November 8
Room
Time
B-day party R
gym
12:30-3:30
B-day party R
gym
5:30-8:00
Sunday, November 9
Room
Time
Agility Dogs R
gym
9:00-11:00
Men’s B-ball League R
gym
12:00-5:00
Zumba P
gym
7:00-8:00
Yoga/Meditation P
Library
7:00-8:30
S - School Activity
R - Rental
P - Program (Recreation and Parks)
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
7
FOOD FOR
THOUGHT:
Series of Talks
Chester Recreation and Parks,
in partnership with the Forties
Community Centre and Positive
Aging will be offering a series of
talks. The topics will be of interest
to the older adult. See the New
Ross Flyer for more details. Light
refreshments provided.
All Sessions
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Day Trip
Caregivers NS will present
Brushing up on mouthcare; this
workshop focuses on oral health
and daily mouth care for frail
and dependent adults, including
dementia and palliative care.
There is practical information for
caregivers on how to help their
care recipients maintain good
oral health, whether their care
recipient is at home or in a facility.
Royal Nova Scotia
International Tattoo
Monday, February 9
Ages 45+
Free
Forties Community Centre
(1787 Forties Road, New Ross)
Sessions will be rescheduled in the
event of inclement weather.
Talk #1: Medication
Safety at home and at the
Pharmacy
Program Notes
Talk #2: Brushing up on
Mouthcare
Medications are very important
to improving health and health
conditions, but they can be
dangerous if not taken properly.
Everyone has a role to play
in reducing mistakes with
medication. Most medication
errors that happen can be
prevented. Come and learn about
medication safety from a local
pharmacist. Strategies and tips
to make sure you are maximizing
benefits and reducing the risk of
harm while taking medications will
be discussed.
Monday, January 12
Holly McDonald, Bsc Pharm
Talk #3: Funeral Planning
Funeral Planning with Rev. Dr.
Dan Green. No one likes to think
about their own funeral, however
giving some thought to advance
preparations can make a difficult
time less stressful for your loved
ones.
Monday, March 9
The Royal Nova Scotia
International Tattoo is a military
and civilian extravaganza
featuring over 2000 International
and Canadian performers. The
Tattoo is the world’s largest
annual indoor show. Its unique
combination of music, dance,
drama, gymnastics, comedy,
military display, competitions
and much more, continues to
thrill audiences year after year.
We have great seats reserved
so don’t miss this chance to
go to the Tattoo! Tickets and
transportation included. Bring
money for treats!
Saturday
July 4
Show Time 2:30 pm (Show length
approximately 3-3.5 hours)
pick-up
dropoff
(approx)
Dancing
New Ross Credit Union 12:00
7:15
Exit 9 Car Pool
12:25
6:50
DANCE FITNESS
Exit 8 Carpool
12:30
6:45
Exit 7 Carpool
12:35
6:40
Exit 6 Car Pool
12:45
6:30
Fun, easy choreography, and
awesome music is what makes
Dance Fitness a blast every week!
No experience necessary. If you
want to have a great time while
burning a ton of calories sign up
for Dance Fitness!” Bring indoor
sneakers, towel and water.
Thursdays
Jan 22 to April 2
(no class March 19)
7:30 to 8:30 pm
Ages 16+
$75
Ages 5+ (Children 16 and under must
be accompanied by an adult)
ScotiaBank Centre
(formerly Halifax Metro Centre)
Pay/register by: Monday, June 15
$90
Chester Area Middle School (EXCEPT
February 19 & March 26 at Chester District
School)
Instructor: Amber Allan
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
Where applicable, HST
has been included in the
registration fees.
8
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
There are 3 easy ways to
register for programs. See page
24 for details.
Register at 275-3490
Hiking
East River Exploration
(Hike NS Snowshoe Series)
Join us for a leisurely amble
(perhaps with snowshoes)
through the Municipal property
along the west side of East River
starting at Hwy 3 and exploring
north to the Chester Connection
Trail. The land here is a mix of
woods, wetland, hummocks and
streams and should provide lots of
animal sign and interesting photo
opportunities if you’d like to bring
along a camera. We will move
slowly in order to pay attention to
animal sign and winter sights. A
rustic trail has been cleared, but
still has elements of an off-trail
walk, so be prepared for uneven
footing through wooded areas
as we work our way through. If
conditions allow, we will cross the
stream at the northern boundary
to gain access to the Chester
Connection Trail which will take us
back to the parking area for a loop
trip...if not, we will retrace our
steps. Bring a snack, sturdy, warm
footwear, extra layers, camera,
nature guide-books, water, and
snowshoes if you have them (if
we have lots of snow). If you need
snowshoes, let us know and we’ll
round some up for you. Preregistration is required.
Saturday
January 24
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ages 50+
Ages 8+ (under 16 must be
accompanied by an adult)
Free
Instructors: Jody Conrad & Gord Tate
Register by: Monday, January 19
Info & Education
Join us for an early evening snowshoe
around the trail at Graves Island
Provincial Park followed by hot
chili over the wood stove in the
new trailhead shelter. We’ll walk
at an easy pace and learn a few
Winter constellations as we go if the
sky cooperates. Snowshoes, hot
chocolate and chili provided. Park at
the parking lot before the causeway
and walk across to the trailhead
shelter on your right after the
causeway. Dress for Winter.
How to Survive an
Unexpected Winter Night
Out
Thursday
February 12
(Storm Date: Feb 19)
6:15 to 7:45 pm
All ages (under 16 must be
accompanied by an adult)
$5 (children 12 and under are free)
Graves Island Provincial Park
Instructors: Jody Conrad, Cosette Howlett,
Debbie Harnish & Trishe Colman
Pay/register by: Thursday, February 5
Card Lake Owl Prowl
Every time we walk at Card Lake we
talk about the Barred Owl…tonight
we try to find them! This mystical
resident of our mature woods is very
vocal, especially this time of year
when mating and nesting are on
their minds. Join us for a discussion
focused on these dark-eyed spirits as
we take a night walk around the trail.
We will stop to call, listen, and enjoy
the night in the forest. Hopefully with
some luck and quiet travel, they will
allow us a little window into their
nightly routine. This hike is part of
Hike Nova Scotia’s Guided Hike series.
Visit www.hikenovascotia.ca to
learn more. Bring water, extra layers
(windproof), snowshoes (if needed),
flashlight and a snack.
Thursday
March 12
(Storm Date: Mar 19)
7:30 to 9:00 pm
Free
You don’t have to be far from
your home or car to find yourself
in a situation that can put you at
risk during a Nova Scotia, winter
night. Would you know what
to do if you had to spend an
unexpected night out in February
with minimal (or no) equipment?
This evening workshop will be
split into two parts: the first will
be inside covering some of the
theory needed to understand
how we lose heat, how we can
minimize its loss…and then how
to gain heat back. Some topics
include: shelter, clothing, food,
exercise, fire, signaling, and
psychological factors. From this
we will determine some things
that you may want to have with
you on your outings. During the
second part, we will head out into
the woods together in search for
shelter and to explore the “what
ifs”. Not a winter camping class,
if you spend time outside at all,
this is a great course to take as
an introduction to realistic and
practical survival techniques. Also
a great course for Scout/Guide
leaders or anyone responsible for
a group outside. Bring paper, pen
and dress for outside.
Wednesday
January 28 (Storm
Date: January 29)
6:30 to 9:30 pm
Ages 16+
$8
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Jody Conrad
Pay/register by: Wednesday, January 21
All ages (under 16 must be
accompanied by an adult)
Card Lake Provincial Park, 3895 Hwy 14
Instructor: Jody Conrad
Pay/register by: Thursday, March 5
www.Chester.ca
Info & Education continued on page 10
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
9
Program Notes
Park at the Connection Trail parking lot at
7846 Hwy 329 (just on the left once you
turn onto Hwy 329 towards Blandford)
Graves Island Snowshoe &
Chili Supper
Info & Education
Info & Education continued from page 9
Spanish for Beginners
This course will introduce the
student to the Spanish language
through communication ability
development such as: oral and
written expression, listening and
reading comprehension.
Communication will be reinforced
with exercises and activities
related with daily life situations.
Bring pen and paper.
Thursdays
8 weeks
Jan 22 to Mar 12
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Ages 16+
$115
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Clara Cisneros
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
Spanish…continues
This course is designed for those
who have some knowledge of
the language or for those who
have attended previous Spanish
courses. During this course,
the students are expected to
have conversations in Spanish
using different verb tenses such
as present, past and future.
Vocabulary will be enriched
through reading comprehension
lectures and dialogues. Bring pen
and paper.
Wednesdays
6:00 to 7:30 pm
8 weeks
Jan 21 to Mar 18
(no class Feb 11)
Ages 16+
Program Notes
$115
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Clara Cisneros
Pay/register by: Wednesday, January 14
10
Organ and Tissue Donation
in Nova Scotia
Therapy Dog Information
Session
Thousands of Canadians each year
are in need of organ, tissue and
eye donations. One organ donor
can save up to eight lives; tissue
and eye donors can save up to 75
lives. Organ and tissue donation
is offered as an essential part of
end-of-life care to donors and their
families by respecting their wishes.
Skilled professional staff display
the utmost respect for all parties
involved. The Regional Tissue Bank,
part of Capital Health, is the largest
comprehensive tissue centre
in Canada. They support Tissue
donation and transplantation
including ophthalmology, cardiac,
orthopedic, neuro and general
surgery programs. Located in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, the MultiOrgan Transplant Program at the
QEII Health Sciences Centre serves
the provinces of Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, Prince Edward Island,
and Newfoundland. Want to
learn more about how to sign up
to become a donor? Or to simply
learn more about the process,
come out and attend our Organ and
Tissue information session.
The St. John Ambulance Therapy
Dog Program takes volunteers
and their dogs into hospitals,
seniors’ residences or nursing
homes on a weekly basis. Through
petting, affection, and regular
visitation, many people benefit
both physically and emotionally
from the unconditional love of a
dog. This information session will
talk about how to get involved, the
processes of becoming a Therapy
Dog Volunteer, as well as the many
benefits!
Wednesday
March 25
6:30 to 7:45 pm
Ages 16+
Free
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Cynthia Johnston, Capital District
Health Authority
Register by: Wednesday, March 18
Eight is Enough
Is there something you’d like to
try or learn, but need a little help
finding the resources and getting
organized? If you have a group
of 8 interested people together,
contact us at the Recreation and
Parks Department and we will do
our best to put a program together
for you. Pricing depends on the
activity of course (instructor fees,
facility rental etc.), but will be
based solely on cost-recovery.
Eight is enough!
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
Tuesday
March 3
6:30 to 8:00 pm
Ages 18+
Donations will be accepted for St.
John Ambulance Community Service
Programs
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Tia Larkin and SJA Volunteers
& Staff
Register by: Wednesday, February 25
Vision Screening
Research indicates that vision
decline is directly associated with
the aging process. Uncorrected
vision decline has been found to
be related to falls and fractures in
the elderly. The vision screening
tool provides a quick and easy
vision assessment to determine if
visual impairment is impacting on
the older adult’s daily activities.
Wednesday
January 14
(Storm Date: Feb 11)
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Ages 45+
Free
Hubbards Area Lions Club, 21 Lion’s Club Rd.
Instructors:
Beth George, Seniors Safety Coordinator
Carla Malay, Ageing Well Together
Coordinator
Robin Philip, Occupational Therapist, South
Shore District Health Authority
Register by: Friday, January 9
Register at 275-3490
How to Make Your Own
Cajόn (Box Drum)
“Take it off Auto” Nature
Photography
Known for its versatile sound,
the cajόn is a wonderful wooden
percussion instrument steadily
gaining popularity in a variety of
musical circles...as a quick Youtube
search will illustrate. Originally
developed in Peru, it is now
common in Spanish Flamenco,
Cuban, folk, and contemporary
pop/rock music. Perhaps two
other things that make the cajόn
so great is the fact that you always
have a seat when you bring it to
a kitchen party, and you can build
your own with some very basic
skills and materials! Join in for this
information session (we will not be
building a full drum) that will show
you the secrets to getting good
sound and proven construction
techniques that will support you to
go away and tackle your own drum
project. Bring pen & paper.
So you have a beautiful camera
with all the features, but how do
you use them? Have you wanted
to know what the other letters on
the dial stood for? Let’s explore
together and take the dial off
“Auto” and open up the world
of nature photography. My goal
is to help you find your “eye”
and feel a bit more comfortable
experimenting with your camera
while exploring the great outdoors.
No real experience is necessary, just
an open mind and a love of nature
and wanting to get more from your
camera. The course will start in
the classroom then we’ll take our
cameras and new skills outside to
practice in the exciting time that
is early Spring! Dress for outdoors
and classroom. Bring camera (not
cellphone camera), paper and pen.
No strong scents please.
Wednesday
March 18
Saturday
April 11
6:30 to 8:00 pm
Ages 16+
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Ages 16+
$5
$10
Forest Heights Community School
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Jody Conrad
Instructor: Patricia George-Zwicker
Pay/register by: Wednesday, March 11
Pay/register by: Tuesday, April 7
Let us teach you how to have tonnes
of FUN with your dog! Come out
with us to the Stewart Memorial Off
Leash Dog Park and do some trail
walking on lead, fun agility activities,
learn basic manners, etc, and most
importantly learn why dogs do what
they do. Let us teach you how to
understand and respect your dog
so you can get respect in return.
One important thing that kids and
dogs have in common is they both
need and love mental and physical
exercise! Bring sturdy footwear,
water and your dog!
Saturdays
4 weeks
Jan 24 to Feb 14
10:00 to 11:30 am
Ages 9+
$65
Stewart Memorial Off-Leash Dog Park,
Hwy 12, Chester Basin
Instructor: Bonnie Conrad
Pay/register by: Wednesday, January 21
www.Chester.ca
That’s right, we’re “taking it
outside” after school! Check this
group out only if you love being
outside…in any capacity. Whether
you’re interested in camping,
hiking, sketching, hunting & fishing,
or just taking naps under the pines,
this time is dedicated for those of
us that want to explore our natural
areas, learn more about the plants
and animals that surround us, try
out new outdoor activities (think
archery, canoeing, trail building,
navigation, survival, snowshoeing,
bouldering, backpacking…) and
learn the skills needed to do it
all safely. Activities will be based
at the school with occasional
bus trips to off-site locations for
things that are a little different. No
experience necessary whatsoever,
but curiosity and willingness to try
is crucial. Dress for time outdoors,
waterproof footwear, extra layers
and bring water.
Tuesdays
12 weeks
Jan 20 to April 14
(no class March
17)
3:15 to 5:00 pm
Ages 14-21
Free
Forest Heights Community School
Instructors: Dave Brennan (Schools Plus)
and Jody Conrad (Chester Rec & Parks)
Drop-in
Where applicable, HST
has been included in the
registration fees.
There are 3 easy ways to
register for programs. See page
24 for details.
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
11
Program Notes
All About Kids and Dog
Open Air Society
Mary
Moland:
Inspiration
in Every Step
KNOW YOUR NEIG
Celebrating active citizens, community organizations, and recreation l
If you have ever walked or driven
through the Village of Chester there is a
very good chance that you have passed
Mary Moland. Mary is an avid walker
and can be seen on a regular basis
walking around the Village of Chester.
I recently had a chance to sit down and
chat with Mary and right away I noticed
her nice fleece Pharmasave Walking Club
jacket which she wears very proudly.
During the Spring, Summer and Fall
Mary walks with the club twice a week
for about an hour each time. They walk
around Stanford Lake, out to the golf
course, around the back harbour or if
it’s windy they head to the trail for some
more sheltered walking. On the other
days of the week, as long as the weather
is nice, Mary
always gets her
walk in.
Recently Mary
has slowed
down a little
bit because her
knees started to
bother her but
she has recently
found a
solution to sore
knees – raisins
and ginger.
“So far so
good.” she says
about this new
experimental
remedy. Mary
recently
mentioned to
someone in
conversation
that her knees
were starting
to wear out
and the response was “Well no wonder,
you must have walked a million miles on
those knees.” to which Mary couldn’t
deny logging countless miles during her
93 years.
Mary loves to be involved in the
community by attending local events.
12
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
Whether it’s a supper, music concert,
theatrical play or church service, Mary
is sure to be there. Everyone knows
that you won’t see Mary arrive at a
community event by car, she gets a few
more steps in walking there.
When I asked Mary about advice she
might have for others on how to live
a long and healthy life she had a good
response, “Keep going and never give
up.” This positive
outlook on life
has served her
well over the
years.
There are a few
reasons why
Mary believes
she is healthy,
one being she
does not smoke
or drink alcohol.
To add to that,
she has always
had a very
active life being
raised on a farm
where there was
always wood to
carry for the fire
or water to get
to the animals.
She walked one
and a quarter
miles to school
and three miles
to church. That’s just the way life was
back then.
At the age of 21 Mary joined the Air
Force where she was a parachute rigger
and was responsible for inspecting and
repacking the parachutes. Mary recalls
during break times there would be a 15
minute lineup to get a Coke Cola but she
was never interested in wasting her time
in a line up so she passed up the Coke.
In 1953 Mary moved to Chester, the
community where her husband Dave
lived. She worked at the Bank of Nova
Scotia in Chester for 30 years and if
you don’t recall seeing her behind the
counter recently it’s because she has
been retired for 30 years. Mary walked
to work every day except for the days
she was late in which case she ran to
work.
Mary has fond memories of ice skating
at Lordly Park when there used to be
a pond there and then was part of the
“Old Bones Skating Club” which started
in 1969, the year the Church Memorial
Park Rink opened. If she wasn’t skating
Mary was cross country skiing which she
had done every year up until three years
ago.
After listening to Mary reminisce about
days gone by and sharing some of her
great life stories, it’s easy to see why she
stays healthy. Being active is just what
Mary does. She doesn’t go to the gym
and workout or pay for fitness classes,
she makes good everyday lifestyle
choices like walking to where she needs
to go. It seems to me that most of us
could learn a thing or two from Mary
about how to live our daily lives.
GHBOURS
leaders
Jody Conrad, our Community School Coordinator, lives in the
woods of Chester Grant and works primarily from our Forest
Heights Community School. In addition to coordinating
public use of our two community schools (Forest Heights
and Aspotogan Consolidated) he organizes most of the
recreation programs offered throughout the Municipality.
Jody tries to set up a diversity of programs each season and
especially loves facilitating connections between people
and the natural world. He’s a great community volunteer
and loves developing youth leadership programs. When not
leading outdoor skills classes or hiking, you’ll find him on his
mountain bike.
Judy Hudson, from
Hubbards, has become a
regular attendee of our
outdoor programs. She
joined us for our last Owl
Prowl which took place at
Card lake Provincial Park
in March. The night was
windy and wet, so our
expectations of finding,
or even hearing an owl
were not high. At the end of the
adventure we had luck...”Just
wanted to say thanks for the
most incredible experience last
night...The whole evening was
worth it when that owl answered
your calling. I’ve never heard
anything as thrilling. You guys
are the best!”
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
13
Safety
Emergency First Aid & CPR
Level C with AED Training
FOOD HANDLERS
CERTIFICATION
In this Emergency First Aid course
you will learn the basics of CPR,
how to restore breathing, treat
bleeding, shock, and more. A St.
John Ambulance instructor will
lead you through the first aid
techniques you need to know. This
course also includes training for
use of AED machines, now found
in many public facilities. Bring
pen, paper and lunch.
If you are currently working or
would like to work in the food
industry, this course is for you.
You will learn the causes and types
of food borne illness focusing on
the practices designed to enhance
food safety. The topics of safe
food preparation, storage and
personal hygiene are covered. This
six hour course is conducted by
John Peters, Food Safety Specialist
with the NS Dept of Agriculture.
This course is now mandatory for
all food service workers directly
handling food. Bring pen & paper.
Wednesday and
Thursday
February 11 and 12
6:00 to 9:00 pm
Ages 16+
$32
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: John Peters
Pay/register by: Wednesday, February 4
Driver Improvement
Program Notes
New and existing drivers! Have
you been driving for two years and
want to remove the N from your
license? Or have some demerit
points you would like to get rid of?
Well this is your chance! Join Fred
Hebb for a two evening, 6 hour
graduated licensing program to
remove your N or up to 4 demerit
points. Bring pen, paper and must
have a beginners permit.
Wednesday and
Thursday
April 8 and 9
6:00 to 9:00 pm
Ages 16+
$71
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Fred Hebb
Pay/register by: Monday, March 30
Saturday
March 7
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Ages 15+
$90
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: St John Ambulance
Pay/register by: Friday, February 27
Yoga
Mindfulness Meditation
Meditation is a practice through
which we can make friends with
our minds and be fully present in
our lives. Through working with
our breath and observing our
patterns of thought and emotions,
we discover how the habitual mind
works, thus beginning the journey
towards clarity and peace of mind.
This series of classes is intended
to help beginners establish an
ongoing meditation practice and
will include meditation instruction,
readings and question/answer.
Thursdays
6 weeks
Feb 5 to Mar 12
9:00 to 10:00 am
Ages 20+
$40
Amy’s Healing Touch Yoga Studio,
5470 Hwy 3, Chester Basin
Instructor: Scott Grapel
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 29
Where applicable, HST
has been included in the
registration fees.
14
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
Meditation & Restorative
Yoga (for depression,
anxiety & stress relief)
This class will combine mindfulness
meditation and restorative yoga to
help ease the unpleasant physical
and mental effects experienced
during depressive, anxious and
stressful times. Mindfulness
meditation is an intentional,
accepting and non-judgmental
practice. It helps develop a
balanced mental state for being
able to separate experiences
from an associated emotion by
being continuously present with
our emotions, thoughts and
sensations. Restorative yoga uses
props to support the body as it
relaxes into postures, helping to
release deeply held tensions. 4
or 5 long-held, gentle postures
are practiced per class creating
physiological responses which
can be beneficial for physical and
mental health. Come develop a
mind and body that is stable, calm
and harmonious. Bring a mat.
Sundays
6 weeks
Feb 1 to Mar 8
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Ages 20+
$65
Amy’s Healing Touch Yoga Studio,
5470 Hwy 3, Chester Basin
Instructors: Amy Grapel & Scott Grapel
Pay/register by: Monday, January 26
Power Flow Yoga
A basic yoga class that has a focus
on body awareness and relaxation.
Flowing in and out of poses to
warm the muscles from the inside.
A great yoga class for beginners.
Bring indoor sneakers, towel and
water.
Tuesdays
10 weeks
Jan 20 to Mar 31
(no class March 17)
7:30 to 8:30 pm
Ages 16+
$90
Chester Area Middle School
Instructor: Amber Allan
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
Register at 275-3490
Yoga Flow
Chair Yoga
This gentle flow class will help your
body and mind grow stronger while
increasing focus and flexibility. Each
class begins with breath-centered
postures and moves to a series of
postures that get your blood and
breath flowing. We explore creative
standing poses through proper
alignment to make us pay attention,
and to help us to be more powerful.
Balance postures help us to quiet
our mind on the mat and off. In this
class, we may even try transformative
inversions, heart-opening backbends,
cleansing twists, and forward bends
and hip openers that’ll put a skip in
your step. Each class will end with
a time for deep, deep relaxation
that’ll leave you feeling joyful and
rested. This class is suitable for all
levels, but especially for beginner and
intermediate students. Please bring a
mat, comfortable clothes and water.
Yoga is for everyone! No matter
what age, physical limitation, or
body type, one can experience
the health benefits of doing Yoga
with the help of a chair! With
a chair, we can do most Yoga
poses, breathing and relaxation
techniques…some poses are
seated and some are standing…
with a chair, one does not have to
get up and down from the floor.
It is gentle; it is easy; it is fun;
and it is accessible for everyone!
Chair Yoga will help improve
our strength and flexibility and
increase our self-esteem and
peace of mind. It is ideal for
seniors, for people with physical
limitations, for people with round
bodies, for people recovering
from an injury….Chair Yoga is
indeed for everyone! If you have
wanted to try Yoga and have been
concerned about getting up and
down from the floor and/or about
bending one’s body into pretzel
like positions, this class could be
a pleasant surprise! No Yoga mat
is required. Chairs are provided.
Soft music plays in the background
helping create a safe, welcoming
and supportive environment!
Wear comfortable clothes, bring
indoor sneakers, towel and water.
Mondays
8 weeks
Feb 2 to April 13
(no class Feb 16,
Mar 9, or April 6)
7:00 to 8:15 pm
Ages 16+
$90
Sail Loft Studio, 2118 Hwy 329, Hubbards
Instructor: Cathy Guest
Pay/register by: Monday, January 26
Gentle Yoga
Friday
8 weeks
Jan 23 to Mar 13
1:15 to 2:15 pm
Ages 20+
Thursdays
8 weeks
Jan 22 to Mar 12
11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Ages 16+
$52
Chester Basin Legion
Instructor: Nancy Timbrell-Muckle
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
Cut N Run
Sunday
June 7
F
H
C
S
Forest Heights
Community
School
Space is available for
rent for birthday parties,
business meetings, licensed
events, and community
groups. Call Jody Conrad at
275-2712.
Fitness Centre
Hours: Monday to Thursday
6-9pm
Program Notes
This class is designed to create breath
awareness, enhance balance, and
increase flexibility & strength using
simple movements to increase
range of motion of the major
joints. Alignment principles, gentle
breathing techniques, and basic
poses will be taught at a slow pace
with modifications for minor physical
limitations. Gentle Yoga is appropriate
for 50’s+, those new to yoga, or for
students who simply prefer a less
strenuous class. Bring a yoga mat.
5th Annual
Drop-in$5
10 Sessions
$40
3 Months
$75
$95 (drop-in $15)
New Ross Family Resource Centre
Instructor: Amy Grapel
Pay/register by: Monday, January 19
www.Chester.ca
There are 3 easy ways to
register for programs. See page
24 for details.
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
15
Zumba
ZUMBA at FHCS
Zumba Gold
Zumba Gold uses the exciting Latin and
international dance rhythms created in
the original Zumba program and brings
them to the active older adult, the
beginner participant, and individuals
with physical limitations. Created to
emphasize the basics, the Zumba
Gold program is so easy to follow that
people of any age can do it! Bring
indoor sneakers, towel and water.
SESSION 1
(8 weeks)
Mondays
Jan 12 to March 23
(no class Feb 16,
Mar 9 & 16)
Zumba is a Latin dance inspired
workout. It’s easy to do and fun,
fun, fun! DITCH THE WORKOUT
AND JOIN THE PARTY!!! For more
info see: www.katejollymore.zumba.
com. Bring indoor sneakers, water
and a towel.
SESSION 1
(8 weeks)
Sundays
Jan 18 to Mar 29
(no class Feb 15,
March 8 & 15)
Pay/register by: Monday, January 12
SESSION 2
(8 weeks)
Sundays
April 12 to June 14
(no class May 10
& 17)
Pay/register by: Friday, January 9
SESSION 2
(8 weeks)
Mondays
March 30 to June 1
(no class April 6 &
May 18)
Pay/register by: Monday, March 16
10:00 to 10:50 am
Ages 50+
$50
Chester United Baptist Church,
84 King Street
Instructor: Kate Jollymore
ZUMBA at ACES
Zumba is a Latin dance inspired
workout. It’s easy to do and fun, fun,
fun! DITCH THE WORKOUT AND JOIN
THE PARTY!!! For more info see: www.
katejollymore.zumba.com. Bring
indoor sneakers, water and a towel.
Pay/register by: Monday, March 23
7:00 to 8:00 pm
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Kate Jollymore
Zumba Step
Zumba Step combines the toning
and strengthening power of step
aerobics, with the fun fitness-party
that only Zumba® brings to the
dance floor! Tone and strengthen
glutes, core and legs with a gravitydefying blend of Zumba routines
and step aerobics. Bring indoor
sneakers, towel, water bottle and if
you have your own steps, feel free
to bring them along. For more info
visit www.katejollymore.zumba.com.
SESSION 1
(6 weeks)
SESSION 1
(6 weeks)
Thursdays
Jan 22 to Feb 26
Tuesdays
Feb 10 to Mar 31
(no class March
10 & 17)
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
Program Notes
Ages 16+
$54
SESSION 2
(6 weeks)
Thursdays
March 5 to Apr 23
(no class March
12 & 19)
Pay/register by: Thursday, February 26
7:30 to 8:30 pm
Ages 16+
$42
Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary
School
Instructor: Kate Jollymore
16
Pay/register by: Tuesday, February 3
SESSION 2
(6 weeks)
Tuesdays
Apr 7 to May 19
(no class April 14)
Pay/register by: Tuesday, March 31
7:00 to 7:50 pm
Ages 16+
Physical
Activities
Learn More About Cross
Country Skiing
Do you have a pair of cross country
skis at home, but aren’t sure how
to get them ready for the trail?
Have you been skiing for a while
but have some questions about
waxing, equipment, sizing or
other aspects of the activity? Or
are you just interested in learning
more about the sport as you think
about giving it a try? Join Ike
Whitehead for an informal evening
of information on cross country
skiing…equipment differences and
selection, sizing, wax selection and
technique and anything else you
want to know. Feel free to bring in
your own equipment if you have
specific questions about it. The
evening will also include a waxing
and maintenance demo! If there
is interest, there may be a follow
up session outside on a date
determined by the group.
Tuesday
January 27
6:30 to 8:30 pm
Ages 16+
$8
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Ike Whitehead
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 22
Lunchtime Skates
Free lunchtime skates every
Thursday in February. Bring your
blades and glide through lunch for
some good exercise for the body
and mind. Bring skates and rink
clothing.
Thursdays
4 weeks
February 5 to 26
12:30 to 1:30 pm
Free
$47
Ages 3+ (children 16 and under must
be accompanied by an adult)
Forest Heights Community School
Chester Rink
Instructor: Kate Jollymore
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
FREE just drop-in
Register at 275-3490
Roller Derby Introduction
Try Lacrosse/Lacrosse FITS
Nice & Easy Bootcamp
Roller Derby! Come find out
information about the fastest
growing sport in the world. You’ll
have a chance to talk to Roller
Derby players, find out about the
game, and check out the required
gear. We will have skaters there
to show you demos on skates, and
answer any questions. We will
have a sign-up sheet to determine
if there is enough interest to start
a “learn to skate” program in the
near future. If you are interested
in finding out what Roller Derby is
all about, please join us!
An introduction of our National
Summer Sport. A fun, no pressure
session, with a brief overview of
the First Nations history of the
Creator’s Game, the stick, basic
game skills (holding the stick,
ready position, cradling, pick-ups,
passing & catching), with some
drills/contests to practice the
new skills and finishing off with a
scrimmage. Bring indoor sneakers
(for gym) and water.
Do you want to get a terrific
workout that is designed to get
your heart rate up and tone your
major muscles and be easy to
follow and lots of fun? This may
be the class for you!! Using an
assortment of equipment such
as hand weights, body bars,
and other tools, participants
strengthen and tone their muscles
as well as exercise their hearts
and lungs. Music is used to get
everyone up and moving and
smiling! Please wear comfortable
workout clothing, indoor athletic
shoes and bring a towel and water.
Wednesday
February 4
(Storm Date: Feb 11)
7:30 to 9:00 pm
Ages 14-40
Saturday
April 11
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ages 5-12
Free
Forest Heights Community School
Register by: Tuesday, April 7
$6
Thursdays
8 weeks
Jan 22 to Mar 12
10:00 to 11:00 am
Ages 16+
Instructor: Bruce McCullogh
Forest Heights Community School
$52
Instructor: Leigh Davis
Chester Basin Legion
Pay/register by: Friday, January 30
Filipino Martial Arts
Pekiti Tirsia is a Filipino weapons
art designed for offense and
defense against multiple
opponents. It is beautiful,
effective, and fun to practice. This
course is for men and women who
are new to martial arts, as well
as for experienced martial artists.
It will be taught in a relaxed and
supportive manner, but with a
practical focus. All fitness levels
are welcome, but expect to
sweat! Participants should bring
exercise clothes, a sound body and
mind. Eye and mouth protection
(available for purchase).
Total Body Conditioning
A cardio/strength combination class
that alternates strength training
exercises with cardio training and
high energy bursts to improve
aerobic and anaerobic systems
with maximum fat burning, while
sculpting every major muscle
group. A truly balanced, full body
workout. Bring indoor sneakers,
hand weights, mat and water.
SESSION 1
(6 weeks)
Wednesdays
Jan 21 to March 4
(no class Feb 11)
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
SESSION 2
(6 weeks)
Wednesdays
Mar 11 to Apr 15
Pay/register by: Thursday, March 5
9 weeks
Jan 21 to Mar 25
5:30 to 6:30 pm
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Ages 18+
$38
Ages 16+
$75
Chester Brass Band Hall
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Vicki Schnare
Instructor: Dave Duchene
Where applicable, HST
has been included in the
registration fees.
www.Chester.ca
Parent & Tot Exercise Class
Can’t fit your workout in because
you don’t have a babysitter? This
class allows you and your child to
exercise together! If you have a
baby, you can wear your baby in
a carrier and do the class; if you
have a toddler, he or she can join
in the workout! Exercises will be
fun for kids, but will get the adults’
heart rates up. Toddlers will build
coordination, balance, and burn
some energy. Everyone wins in this
one hour work out! Bring a yoga
mat, indoor sneakers, water and
toys for children.
Tuesdays
10 weeks
Jan 20 to Mar 24
9:15 to 10:15 am
Ages 16+
$60
East Chester Recreation Hall
Instructor: Shaina Falcone
Pay/register by: Wednesday, January 14
Pay/register by: Friday, January 16
Pay/register by: Monday, January 19
Physical Activity continued on page 20
There are 3 easy ways to
register for programs. See page
24 for details.
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
17
Program Notes
Wednesdays
Instructor: Nancy Timbrell-Muckle
“Prior to this, I always thought of
municipal recreation as a ‘take it, or
leave it’ proposition.” That was one
participant’s comment at the end of a
recent workshop that we hosted. For
the last several months, we’ve been
working with partners at South Shore
Health, Dalhousie University, and
Our Health Centre to explore the
connections between the health and
community recreation sectors. The
premise of these explorations is that
both sectors share numerous common
goals, yet we do not do a good job of
supporting each other; and ultimately,
the citizens who might best be served
by our services. For example, people
living with chronic diseases spend,
on average, twelve days each year in
the formal health care system. That
means that for the remaining 353 days
they are self-managing their conditions
in community settings and drawing on
community resources and programs.
What if community recreation was better
positioned to know the needs of these
people and how best to respond to
their needs? By the way, we recognize
that municipal recreation departments
do not have a monopoly on recreation
services, so we deliberately use the term
‘community recreation’ to describe the
totality of recreation and sports programs
and opportunities that many people and
organizations provide in our communities.
So based on this ‘what if?’ the partners
designed a workshop that could piggyback on the existing Your Way to Wellness
program. Participants of this program
create action plans to self-manage their
chronic diseases. Our goal was to create
an additional module that could help
people turn their action plans into actions
by focusing on their recreation passions
and discussing strategies to overcome
the everyday barriers that stand in their
way. Strategies include individualized
activity adaptation, activity development,
activity matching, activity substitution,
volunteering, self-advocacy, and self-
Make it
and
Live it
motivation strategies.
So back to the ‘take it, or leave it’
comment. This was a revelation to us.
Working in the recreation sector we tend
to think that we are open and responsive
to the needs and desires of citizens. But
this comment caused us to reconsider
how we are perceived. Recreation guides
like Explore Life can be perceived to be
Original art and photo credit: Marguerite Drescher, BraveSpace.ca. Courtesy: Recreation Nova Scotia
18
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
like hardware store catalogs—they have
lots of nuts and bolts but none in the size
I need. We might supply fitness classes,
but if we don’t have the one that both
excites and is accessible to a particular
individual then they are not likely to
sign up. The flip side of the coin is
that we can’t be all things to all people
so that’s why those strategies above
become so important and they cause
us to ask the question “how can we
best be supportive partners in enabling
everyone to exercise their recreation
passion?”
We’re working on the answer. At
this fall’s Recreation Nova Scotia
Conference the keynote speaker
renewed the challenge to the assembled
recreation professionals to truly know
what world we are tasked with creating
(see artwork below). More recently,
Council adopted our Active Living Strategy
2014-2017. This is just one piece of our
department’s mandate. In the coming
years it will allow us to focus on outdoor
recreation opportunities; supportive
environments for women and girls;
providing recreation information and
inspiration; walking and biking as part
of our daily lives; closer connections
between health and recreation; and
accessing and including isolated
populations.
However, our personal/professional call
to action must extend to the citizens of
the Municipality. We need collaborative
partners to work toward these goals. We
have incredible people and organizations
working tirelessly, but more can be
achieved to create a healthier community.
Community recreation is not a ‘take it, or
leave it’ proposition. Let’s recast that and
call it ‘Make it, and Live it.’
Let Us Give You a Hand
Our guided hikes get more popular
every season. They’re a great way
to safely experience a new adventure
and the beauty of the municipality.
Join us:
• East River Exploration, Saturday January 24
• Graves Island Snowshoe and Chili Supper, Thursday February 12
• Card Lake Owl Prowl, Thursday March 12
See page 9 for hike details
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
19
Physical
Activities
Physical Activity continued from page 17
Walk to the Principal’s
Office (Indoor Walking)
Program Notes
Here’s a chance to get your
walking in while staying safe and
dry this winter. The hallways of
the upper floor of Forest Heights
Community School make a nice
walking loop. Keep track of how
many laps you complete and
get a prize from the Recreation
Department for your first 300
times around! …And in this case,
talking in the halls is allowed…but
only for walkers.
Mondays and
Wednesdays
Jan 19 to April 8
(no walking Feb 16
or April 6)
6:30 to 8:30 pm
$2 drop-in fee
60+ Fitness
Learn to Rappel
This program is designed with the
older adult in mind. It combines
a light cardio workout with gentle
strength exercises to keep you
functional for everyday activities,
and includes balancing exercises
to help in fall prevention. We may
also work with the stability ball on
occasion to add some spice. Most
exercises can be adjusted to meet
your abilities. Wear comfortable
clothes, bring indoor sneakers and
water.
Rappelling is a technique used
in the world of rock-climbing to
descend from a height on a fixed
rope. In this workshop participants
will learn, then practice the
skills needed for setting up and
executing a rappel in a recreational
setting. The guidelines for setting
up a safe system will be discussed
and different types of systems
will be explored. There will be a
review of basic knots needed for
setting and performing a rappel.
Equipment and materials will be
provided for participants to use.
Comfortable, loose clothing should
be worn, along with a gym shoe or
light weight boot.
SESSION 1
(6 weeks)
Wednesdays
Jan 21 to Feb 25
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
SESSION 2
(6 weeks)
Wednesdays
Mar 4 to Apr 8
Pay/register by: Thursday, February 26
9:15 to 10:15 am
Ages 50+
All ages (children must be
accompanied by an adult)
$45
Forest Heights Community School
Instructor: Gwen Hamm
Power Pump
Cardio Kickboxing
There is not another class like
this in the Municipality! Get lean,
defined muscles in this group
barbell training class! Power Pump
will sculpt, tone and strengthen
your entire body; fast! This class
is great for EVERYONE! Men
and women both find this class
challenging, because you’re able to
use the weight that is exactly right
for you! Bring indoor sneakers,
towel and water.
Join Amber in this unbeatable
calorie burner! Using proper
technique of punches, knees, kicks
and more! This 60 minute class
has everything you’re looking for
in a high energy workout! Amber
is certified by Fitness Kickboxing
Canada and uses that knowledge
to provide a powerful, exhilarating
workout! Bring indoor sneakers,
mat, towel and water.
Chester Brass Band Hall
Tuesdays
Thursdays
10 weeks
Jan 22 to April 2
(no class March 19)
10 weeks
Jan 20 to Mar 31
(no class March 17)
6:30 to 7:30 pm
Ages 16+
6:30 to 7:30 pm
Ages 16+
$90
$90
Chester Area Middle School
All classes at Chester Area Middle School
EXCEPT Feb 19 and Mar 26 at Chester
District School
Instructor: Amber Allan
March 7
9:00 am to 12:00 pm Ages 30+
$10
Forest Heights Community School
Instructors: Terry Morris & Ray Johnson
Pay/register by: Monday, March 2
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
Instructor: Amber Allan
Pay/register by: Thursday, January 15
20
Saturday
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
Where applicable, HST
has been included in the
registration fees.
Fusion Fitness
Free Family Fun Curling
Fusion Fitness brings all the
important elements together in
one program! It is designed to
give you a great cardio workout,
and improve strength with various
exercises using resistance tubing
and free weights. We will focus
on strengthening the core and
improving posture. (Floor exercises
are included in this program.) Wear
comfortable clothes, bring indoor
sneakers, yoga mat and water.
Learn to curl for free at the
Chester Curling Rink. Family of
two or more people (spouses/
partners, parent & child, relatives,
etc.). Limited space available.
Registration is for all 3 sessions.
Thanks to Nova Scotia Department
of Health & Wellness Facility
Access Grant.
Sundays
3 weeks
January 25,
February 1, 22
SESSION 1
(6 weeks)
9:30 to 11:00 am
Ages 8+
Mondays
Jan 19 to Mar 2
(no class Feb 16)
Free
Pay/register by: Wednesday, Jan 14
SESSION 2
(6 weeks)
Mondays
Mar 9 to Apr20
(no class April 6)
Pay/register by: Wednesday, March 4
10:30 to 11:30 am
Ages 50+
$45
Chester Brass Band Hall
Chester Curling Rink
Register by: Monday, January 19
Indoor Walking
Avoid the slippery roads and
join us for indoor walking. Bring
indoor shoes without black soles.
Mondays and
Wednesdays
January 5 to
February 25
9:00 to 10:00 am
Ages 16+
Family Christmas curling party, Swansea
Ontario, 1904
There are 3 easy ways to
register for programs. See page
24 for details.
$2 drop-in fee
Instructor: Gwen Hamm
District #1 Community Centre, Blandford
Storm Cancellation Policy
Programs MAY or MAY NOT be cancelled when there is a storm. To be sure, always check first
before heading out to your program. If we have to cancel, we will change our answering machine
message (275-3490) and we will also put it up on the Municipal website (www.chester.ca).
THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY:
Morning Programs - If school is cancelled due to a storm, we will automatically cancel all
morning programs whether they are held at a school or not.
Chester Area Middle School (CAMS) and Chester District Elementary (CDS) - If school is
cancelled due to a storm, we will automatically cancel all programs at CAMS and CDS including
both day and night programs.
Forest Heights Community School (FHCS) & Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary
School (ACES) - Night programs at FHCS & ACES are not necessarily cancelled if school is
cancelled. We wait until 3:00 pm to determine if programs are on or not for that evening. We
base our decisions on current weather conditions and forecasts.
Weekend Programs - We will call all participants if the program is
cancelled; however, in case we can’t reach you, we encourage you
to call our answering machine at 275-3490 .
To find out if a program is
cancelled, check our website
at www.chester.ca or call us at
275-3490 after 3:00 pm.
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
21
Designing in
a Sandbox
Increasingly, schools and
community groups are moving
away from the plastic and steel
structures that have come to
characterize playgrounds over
the past several decades, and
instead are rediscovering that
play which incorporates more
natural materials, and mimics
wild settings is more beneficial
for the kids (and adults) that use
the spaces. Natural playspaces
actually encourage more active
play, and are more inclusive of
several personality and play types
than their traditional counterparts.
Gross motor skills excel; and
natural spaces, where dirt, color,
and texture are the norm actually
help build children’s immune
systems.
In September Adam
Bienenstock (pictured above)
In Season
Kale Salad
If any of you are growing kale in
your garden, or in a covered bed,
you know that it can stay fresh
out there long into the winter-even with a dusting of snow on
top, but not after a hard freeze.
If the weather cooperates,
harvest some in January and
make this post-festive season
salad. Its distinctive red and
green color makes it ideal
on a Christmas table setting.
Gently massage the leaves
before tearing to increase their
tenderness.
Adam Bienenstock gets down in his sandbox
to teach natural playspace design. The
White Point location provided the first time
Adam ever had porpoises swim by during a
workshop.
of naturalplaygroundscanada.
ca visited the South Shore and
conducted a one day workshop
and several site visits. Adam led
folks through the philosophies
of playground development and
and iron. These nutrients are
required for healthy bones, skin
and eyes. Pomegranate is an
immunity booster. Enjoy.
SALAD
4 c kale torn in pieces
1 avocado, cut up
1/2 c cooked quinoa
1/2 c pomegranate
1/2 c toasted pecans (or almonds)
Kale salad is refreshing and
healthy. Kale is rich in vitamins
A, C and K and folic acid, as well
as calcium, potassium, copper
22
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
facilitated small group practise
on the beach at White Point.
Using scale trees, people, and
a variety of play features; the
beach was our sandbox to create
our playspaces. Adam then
critiqued each of the groups
masterpieces and addressed some
of the fundamentals of successful
playspace design. In the end it’s
important to take clues from the
natural spaces around you and
to creatively think about how to
use natural material like wood
and rock, and the topography to
foster wild play in a transposed
environment. Several South Shore
communities are contemplating
new natural playspaces. Bonus-they can usually be built at a
fraction of the cost of a traditional
playgrounds. If the idea appeals
to your group, the Recreation
Department would be pleased
to help start the dreaming and
designing process with you.
1/4 c goat cheese (or feta)
DRESSING
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c apple cider vinegar
zest of one lemon
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp honey
Serves 4-6
STAFF PROFILE
Vanda Stevens
Gym Supervisor, Forest Heights
Community School
On most nights at Forest Heights
Community School (FHCS), you
will find 2 Municipal night staff
stationed on-site. Typically
Yvonne Hennigar, Evening
Supervisor, will greet you in the
main lobby where you will sign
in and get information for your
event, meeting, or program for
that evening, and if your activity
is in the gymnasium, you will also
find one of four Gym Supervisors
on duty. The Gym Supervisor’s
role is to monitor gym activities
and equipment for safe “play”, to
provide information for clients,
and to provide support in the
event of an emergency (first aid
for example).
Vanda Stevens has been working
as Gym Supervisor at FHCS
for 2 years now and loves the
connection with the public.
She has honed these skills over
the years through various work
and volunteer positions: Vanda
was one of our Summer Staff
for 3 consecutive years; one as
Youth Leader and 2 additional
as Summer Supervisor. She
has also served as President of
Student Council at FHCS, and
Chief of the Junior Volunteer Fire
Department in Chester (a group
she also remains connected to,
and supports). Currently, Vanda
is completing her final year in
a Bachelor of Child and Youth
Studies at Mount Saint Vincent
University and deciding on her
next steps. We are proud of all of
our staff and are happy to have
Vanda as part of our team.
We now have:
For winter adventure
ke you
Sledges ma
The Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Adapted Recreation
Equipment Loan Program is
a great resource for families
of children and youth who
have a physical disability
or acquired brain injury.
Families have the opportunity
to borrow a variety of
equipment to experience new
leisure pursuits.
e ice.
fly across th
12 SLEDGES
1 Snow Coach
A snow sled with two independently
operated brakes, footrests, padded
seat, safety straps, and back and
head support.
2 HIPPOCAMPES
1 youth + 1 adult
with ski kit and
insert
For road and trail
3 TRIKES
various
sizes for
ages 2 1/2
to 8+
Contact the Recreation Department for
information or to book any of these items.
2 FATWHEEL SETS
1 for 20” + 1 for 24”
bikes
1 Duet Cycle
Program Coordinated by:
Electric assist
bike for two. For
adult or child.
EXPLORE LIFE Winter ‘15
23
3 Easy Ways
To Register for
Programs
Where is this?
1
In Person or by Phone:
Call 275-3490, or drop-in
Monday to Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Payment may be made by
cash, cheque, debit, and
credit card.
2
By Mail:
Send cheques payable to
“Municipality of Chester” to:
Recreation & Parks Dept
151 King Street, PO Box 369
Chester NS B0J 1J0
There’s also a drop-off
box located near the side
entrance of the Municipal
Building.
3
Online:
Tell us which island this is in Mahone Bay and
win a new backpack.
Have a credit card ready,
and set up an account
online.
Step 1: Visit www.Chester.
ca and click the “Register
Here for Recreation
Programs” button.
Step 2: Click “Request an
Account.” Enter your own
Login ID and password.
Step 3: Click “View and
Register for Activities”
Contact us anytime at:
275-3490
recreation@chester.ca
These distinctive chairs reside in
the backfield of the Hubbards Barn.
We did not receive any correct
answers in the last edition.
Send your answers to
recreation@chester.
ca or call 275-3490.
Contest closes Friday,
January 30th. One
winner will be chosen
from all the correct
submissions. Watch
for the answer in
the Spring edition of
Explore Life arriving
in your mailbox in
early April.