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E29:  It's just me on the podcast again today, with an update.  I've decided to make these first 29 episodes Season 1 of the Great Amherst Podcast.  I started this Podcast at the end of March and have done 29 episodes since.  There is SO much that has happened in these last few months that I've decided to wrap up season 1, take a break and plan to come back with Season 2 in early 2021.  Like I've said all along - we've only made it this far because we worked together.  We'll only make it through the next phase together.  So, wear your mask, wash your hands and look after everyone else.Take care - and I'll be back in early 2021

E28:  This week on the Podcast I'm joined by Brian and Laura with Fundy Treasures in Joggins, NS.Brian and Laura started Fundy Treasures in 2014, and are now in there 7th year.  They offer fossil and mineral tours in Joggins and Parrsboro, they make products that are inspired by the Bay of Fundy like Candles, Soaps, Jewelry and stone guitar picks.We talked about the idea behind Fundy Treasures and why they chose to start this business.  Brian's passion for Joggins, the Fossil cliffs and our part of the world came through in this interview.  Laura shared about her time living overseas really brought forward the benefit that tourism can have for a community.  We talked about the tours they offer, the first farmer's market they attended, the Kid's Show Dinosaur Train, the impact COVID-19 had on their business this year.  WE covered a lot of topics.  They redid their website at www.fundytreasures.ca and you can find the tour schedules and links to all their products.

E27:  Today I'm joined by Brent Noiles, the Employment Engagement Specialist at Nova Scotia Works/CANSA.Nova Scotia Works/CANSA is typically known to help individuals find jobs, work on their resumes and to develop skills they may be lacking.  Brent's role is engage with the local business community to help them with their needs.  We covered a lot of ways that Brent is able to the help businesses, including arranging training for a number of companies, or to help businesses to apply for government grants.  We covered a lot of different topics during this interview.  We also recorded this interview at the end of May, so some of the programs may have changed.  My take away from this interview is for any business owner or manager to reach out to Brent directly.  You'll be able to explain to Brent what you need help with and he'll work to help you meet or fill that need.You can contact Brent by email at brent.noiles@cansa.ca or by phone - (902) 661-1059 ext 227.

026:  Today on the Podcast is just me.  At the beginning of July I decided to join the #StopHateForProfit campaign.  I had committed to logging off and not using Facebook for at least the month of July.  I recorded this episode on July 19th and I wanted to share my thoughts on why I joined this campaign and my plans moving forward.Links and articles from today:- Nova Scotia MP speaks out on string of abusive calls, veiled threats- "How Your Brain is Getting Hacked" by Tristan Harris- Kara Swisher's Interview with Mark Zuckerberg- Why Facebook Failed Its Civil Right Audit- Civil rights leaders are still fed up with Facebook over hate speech- Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is essentially untouchable at Facebook

E25:  Today I am joined by Tom McCoag.  Tom first joined the Springhill Parrsboro Record in 1980, and joined the Chronicle Herald Amherst Bureau in 1982.  He was in this position until 2009 until he transferred to the Chronicle Herald head office to be a Copy and Pagination Editor.  In 2017 he left the Chronicle Herald and joined the Town of Amherst as the Corporate Communications Director.  Please note, Tom is doing this interview in a personal capacity and his opinions are his own, not the the Town of Amherst or any previous employers.This is why I wanted to have Tom on the episode.  He was a journalist in Amherst for 27 years, and he would have stories and opinions about the history of our local journalism scene and where it stands now.  And Tom shared these.  We covered how he first got involved in the News industry in High School.  We talked about his education and career paths.  To me the most interesting conversations were about Tom's definitions of what local news and journalism is and why it matters to our community.If you don't remember Tom as a reporter, you may also know him from his days reffing Minor Hockey and Ramblers Games, or as an umpire for Little Baseball, or as a Cadet Officer.  Tom has been involved in our community for many years.As I've said before, I joined in the #StopHateForProfit campaign and have signed off Facebook for at least the month of July.   This conversation reminded me again that Facebook sells ads on stories and content produced by our local news organizations and makes Billions of dollars each year off it.  But, Facebook does not pay for any of this content.  They do not reimburse news organizations, Facebook just expects to get and monetize the hard work of journalists for free.  Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies absolutely play a role in our declining local news system.

E23:  On this week's episode we are joined by Coach Al Theal and Ken MacKenzie.  Al and Ken are two of the founding members of the Amherst Striders Running Group.I wanted Ken and Al to come on and talk about the group, where it started, why they helped start it and how's it grown.  I've been a member of the Facebook group, but haven't gotten myself organized to actually get out for a run with the group.  But one thing that I found is that the Strider's group is a community that runs, and I enjoy the huge amounts of support and encouragement they offer to each other constantly.  This support is for everyone no matter what somone's goal or starting point is.  I wanted to talk about explore this community and support.If people want to get involved with the Striders Group you can find them on Facebook, and they meet every Monday and Wednesday at 6:00 pm and Saturday morning at 8:00 am at the Downtown Tim Horton's parking lot.  Everyone is welcome.  We recorded this interview in May when social distancing rules were different.  I believe at this point the Striders can go out in groups of 10 without social distancing.  Things are getting back closer to normal for this group.I did it again for this interview.  I made a mistake with my microphone.  I apologize for my sound quality again.Finally, like I said last week, I am stepping back from Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp for at least the month of July as part of the Stop Hate for Profit Campaign.  I am increasingly concerned about the amount of mis-information, and hate that is spread throughout Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.  This mis-information and hate is having real-world implications for all of us.  Mark Zuckerberg and his team could do something about how quickly mis-information and hate spreads on Facebook, yet they are choosing not to act.  This is my part to help encourage the CEO and leadership team at Facebook to act with more than just profit and growth in mind.

E23:  Today on the Podcast I am joined by Jessy Wysmyk and Charles Ryan with Wysmykal Farms.   Wysmykal Farm is a certified organic mixed vegetable farm on the beautiful Northumberland shore. Started in 2010 by Charles Ryan and Jessy Wysmyk, Wysmykal Farm offers a weekly veggie basket program, sales through the Sackville, NB and Pugwash, NS markets, and sells veggies to some small grocery stores and  local restaurants and food businesses. With support from our veggie basket customers, we are able to offer some subsidized baskets to low income subscribers. We talked about how and why they decided to start their farm, the importance of local farms to our community and what some of the challenges they've had running their farm.  We covered a lot of topics and I hope you enjoy them.  I will apologize for my sound quality.  I made a mistake in recording my audio and didn't end up using my microphone.  I apologize in advance for this.Jessy and Charles can be reached here:Website:  Wysmykal FarmEmail:      Wysmykalfarm@gmail.comOther Links from today's episode:CBDC Self Employment ProgramACORN #stophateforprofit - This is a movement to encourage advertisers to stop advertising on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp for the month of July.  I've struggled with the decisions that Mark Zuckerberg and his team at facebook have been making for a while.    I'm going to do an episode talking more about this later.  But, for now I have decided to definitely not advertise on Facebook and I'm not going to use it for the month of July either.   I will re-evaluate my decision near the end of the month.To stay in touch with the Podcast please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, sign up for our email newlsetter or find us on LinkedIn.

On today's episode is Dr Darlene Strong.  Darlene grew up in Amherst, NS and in 1999 decided to start researching, learning and disseminating information about the African Nova Scotian community that she grew up in.  In February this year she produced a exhibit on the Historic Sand Hill Trail that as displayed the Cumberland County Museum.  Once the Ottawa House, Parrsboro, opens again the exhibit will be displayed there.Darlene shared a lot of information about the historical houses and buildings on the trail.  As well as some stories about the people of African Descent that made an impact on Amherst and our community.  These were topics that I didn't know a lot about, and I am pleased that Darlene came on the episode to share some of what she has learned.

E20:  Today's guest on the Podcast is Lisette Sumbu. Lisette Sumbu is an artist and activist who grew up in Amherst, NS. She is a singer/songwriter who is passionate about human rights. She is currently in a band called The Black Rose Project.  I asked Lisette to come on today because she is the driving force and the organizer behind the Black Lives Matter protest in Amherst on June 6th. We talked about why she organized the protest, and how she felt during the protest. Lisette also shared a lot about her experiences growing up in Amherst and living in Halifax. We also talked about her next steps and plans for this protest and how people can get involved and help her.I appreciate Lisette coming on the show today and sharing her experiences.  I hope you are able to learn something from her too.Links from the episode:- Tourism NS Webpage on African Nova Scotian History.- Black Lives Matter Cumberland Facebook Group - blacklivesmattercumberland@gmail.com- Mental Health Crisis Line - tel:1-888-429-8167- Systemic Racism in RCMP - Since our interview the RCMP Commissioner has announced that systemic racism does exist in the RCMP.Government Contacts: - Minister of Justice, Mark Furey - JUSTMIN@novascotia.ca- Minister of Education, Zack Churchill - educmin@novascotia.ca- Minister of Health, Randy Delorey - Health.Minister@novascotia.ca- Deputy Minister of Justice, Candace Thomas -     The website has not been updated with her information yet.  https://novascotia.ca/just/deputy.asp

There's a schedule change this week. I'm going to post my interview with Jessy and Charles from Wysmykal Farms next week. I want to take this episode and share my thoughts on the Black Lives Matter protests and what's happening right now.  I also talk about what we can do in our own community.The short version of my thoughts: being a straight white male who grew up in Amherst, I've never felt the pain that comes with being discriminated against based solely on the colour of my skin. I have also never had an encounter with the police and had the slightest fear that the encounter would turn violent. And simply put I think that no one should ever be discriminated based on the colour of their skin or no one should fear an interaction with the police will turn violent. That sums up my thoughts.- Contact Info for Councillors who are almost Police Board Commissioners   - Deputy Mayor Sheila Christie - schristie@amherst.ca   - Councillor Vince Byrne - vbyrne@amherst.ca   - Councillor Darrell Jones - djones@amherst.caLinks from today's episode:- Amherst Board of Police Commissioners - Town of Amherst Police By-Law- Town of Amherst Council Meetings and Minutes- Police Act of Nova Scotia

E19:   Today’s guest is Robert Small, Former Mayor of Amherst.  Rob was Mayor of Amherst from 2008 to 2015 when he decided not to reoffer.  He was also a Town Councillor from 1994 to 2000.  Rob was born and raised in Amherst, has spent most of his career in Town, and raised his three sons here too. I asked Rob to come to talk with about how individual people can get involved in Municipal Politics and how Municipal Politics are significantly different than the other levels of government.  I want to start talking about how individual people can advocate for, and push to make the changes that they want to see in our community.  I know that coming out of the Coronavirus situation we have the opportunity to talk about and act to make the changes we want to see, or to keep things the way they were.  We have the ability to act to make this happen.  But, I believe for many reasons over the last 30 to 40 years we have lost the skills, ability, confidence or knowledge on how to do this.  With the Municipal Election in October of this year it's important for us to start thinking about what we can do individually.  I want to start talking about this now. In this interview Rob and I talked in depth about how municipal politics is the closest to the people and has to be the most responsive because of the services it provides.  Also the Mayor and Councillors are more accessible than a lot of other politicians.  Rob and I delve into detail on the difference between the Committee of the Whole meeting and a regular Council Meeting. We spend a lot of time talking about how people can and the importance of making their voices heard.  Rob tells us how the idea for the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Center came out of some of these meetings, and what happened at a Town Council Meeting 25 years ago when the Town moved forward with switching the Garbage Collection System in Town.  Rob also introduced his steps for advocating to the Town and Council, and explained how the Atrium Project spurred him to get involved in Municipal Politics. We covered a lot about Municipal politics in this interview and barely made a dent in all the questions I have about Municipal Politics.  This is a must listen for people thinking about or wanting to get involved in the next Municipal Election. I want to take a minute to share my gratitude for everyone who has left a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts for us.  I am grateful, these reviews and ratings help more people find us to share our local news and stories.  If you have a moment, would you leave a review and a rating for the show?   Links from today’s Episode: Town of Amherst Council Meetings –  Minutes  Agendas  Calendar -  Municipality of Cumberland Council Meetings

Today’s guest is Terry Farrell, our Former MLA from 2013-2017.  Terry is currently a lawyer at Creighton Shatford Law Firm in Amherst. I asked Terry to on come to talk with about how individual people can get involved in the political process based on his experience as our MLA.  I want to start talking about how individual people can advocate for, and push to make the changes that they want to see in our community.  I know that coming out of the Coronavirus situation we have the opportunity to talk about and act to make the changes we want to see, or to keep things the way they were.  We as individuals have the ability to act to make this happen.  But, I believe for many reasons over the last 30 to 40 years we have lost the skills, ability, confidence or knowledge on how to do this.  With the Municipal Election in October of this year it's important for us to start thinking about what we can do individually.  I want to start talking about this now. In this interview Terry shares how individuals can work together in their community or through other organizations to influence government policies.  Terry shared his belief that influencing government policies requires building, developing and maintaining relationships with members of governments, their staff and other community members.  Terry also shares his story of how he got into politics and what the piece of advice everyone gave him that he just couldn’t follow. Finally, Terry offers some thoughts and wisdom for people thinking about getting involved in the Municipal Election in the Fall. If you haven’t subscribed to our email newsletter please sign-up at tgapod.com/subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can contact Terry at Creighton Shatford at (902) 667-8490 or by email at terry.farrell@creightonshatford.ca Links from today’s Episode: Town of Amherst Council Meetings –  Minutes  Agendas  Calendar -  Municipality of Cumberland Council Meetings Today’s Episode as brought to you by: 1)  Trider’s Craft Beer – The Tap room isn’t open for now, but you still have options to get your bottles of Trider’s Beer. Swing by the new Trider’s Drive thru to have you order loaded or arrange a delivery by contacting Trider's through Facebook, email – contact@triderscraftbeer.com or by phone 614-8983.       

E17:  Today’s guest on the Podcast is Bill Casey, our former Member of Parliament. Bill was first elected as our MP in 1988 and was re-elected as a member of three different political parties until he officially retired in 2019.   I asked Bill to come to talk about how individual people can get involved in the political process. I want to start a conversation about how individual people can advocate for, and push to make the changes that they want to see in our community.  I know that coming out of the Coronavirus situation we have the opportunity to talk about and act to make the changes we want to see, or to keep things the way they were. As members of our community we have the ability to act to make this happen. But, I believe for many reasons over the last 30 to 40 years we have lost the skills, ability, confidence or knowledge on how to do this. With the Municipal Election in October of this year it's important for us to start thinking about what we can do individually.  I want to start talking about this now.In the interview I reference the following article written by Eitan Hersh from The Atlantic about Political Hobbyists. The gist of the article is that many people, me included, have taken to watching politics as a hobby or as a sport. We are no longer willing to act and do the work of politics. This described me perfectly. I've said before it is safe for me to read online, or comment on Facebook or Twitter. There is no risk to me. I have no risk of being rejected or having my ideas challenged. But, I am also too busy doing politics as a hobby to show up at a council meeting or support a local group in actually making a difference in our community.  This article also led to this conversation will Bill. In this interview Bill tells us about a number of initiatives that individual people in our community had spearheaded and made happen.  He helped support them as our MP, but they were community led and driven.  These include: National Brain Tumour Registry Age of Sail Museum in Port Greville Return of First Nation’s Artifacts to Millbrook First Nations Community Saving the Armoury in Amherst The Historical Site at Beaubassin Throughout the interview Bill also shares his 3 rules of how to deal and interact with the Government, how former Prime Minister Jean Chretien saved the Beaubassin Historical Site, and how his collection of buoys started. Bill is also planning to start a blog in the near future to encourage people to get involved in politics. If you haven’t subscribed to our email newsletter please sign-up so you never miss an episode.Today's episode was brought to you by:Tony Mitchell with Royal LePage Cumberland Realty. For anyone looking to buy or sell their house contact Tony at 664-1372 or on Facebook to discuss your options right now.  

E16:  Here we are episode number 16 since March 30th.  It doesn’t just feel like it’s been 6 weeks.  I’ve enjoyed doing the interviews and producing the shows.  Thank you to all the guests that have been on.  Thank you to everyone who has listened to the shows and subscribed to our email list or on Apple Podcasts.  I appreciate you making me, our guests and this project part of your day.   In this episode it is just me, no guest.  I have two things that I want to cover today.  I want to update you on a few changes I’m going to make to the podcast and our email newsletter.  I want to introduce and share a small series of episodes I have lined up for May and why I’m doing these episodes.The quick updates on the Great Amherst Podcast are:1) I'm going to publish one episode a week on Mondays2) I'm going to send out our email newsletter on Wednesday and I'm looking to include info on upcoming community events.  I'm going to share more info on this coming up soon.I asked for your help with a couple things.  Here are the contact links you need: Submit guest ideas - tgapod.com/contact Apply for ad spots - tgapod.com/contact Sign up for our email newsletter - tgapod.com/subscribe ___My May Project -For my project I want to start talking about how individual people can advocate for, and push to make the changes that they want to see in our community.  I know that coming out of the Coronavirus situation we have the opportunity to talk about and act to make the changes we want to see, or to keep things the way they were.  We have the ability to act to make this happen.  But, I believe for many reasons over the last 30 to 40 years we have lost the skills, ability, confidence or knowledge on how to do this.  With the Municipal Election in October of this year it's important for us to start thinking about what we can do individually.  I want to start talking about this now.We have the following interviews coming up: Monday, May 18 - Former MP for Cumberland-Colchester, Bill Casey Monday, May 25 - Former MLA for Cumberland North, Terry Farrell Monday, June 1 - Former Mayor of Amherst, Rob Small Please subscribe to our  newsletter to never miss an episode. A few links from this episode: College-Educated Voters Are Ruining American Politics by Eitan Hersh, Published in the Atlantic on January 20, 2020 Politics is For Power: How to Move Beyond Politic Hobbyism, Take Action and Make Real Change by Eitan Hersh

E14:  Today’s guest on The Great Amherst Podcast is Trina Clarke, CEO of the Cumberland YMCA.  Trina started working part-time at the YMCA 23 years ago in the childcare program, and over her 23-year career has stepped up into managerial roles until she assumed the CEO role in 2008. 2008 was a time of financial crisis for the YMCA and it was close to closing. The community rallied to keep the YMCA open and Trina stepped into the CEO role and has been instrumental in bringing the Y to a much more secure financial position. I wanted Trina to come on the Podcast today to talk about the role the Cumberland YMCA plays in our community. The YMCA obviously provides swimming lessons and exercise facilities which are essential to the health and well-being of our community. Trina also tells us about the other programs the YMCA offers in Amherst like the Community outreach programs, the lunch programs, teen programs and childcare programs in Amherst and Oxford.  We talk a lot about the community that develops in and around the YMCA and what Trina and her staff are doing to keep that community alive during self-isolation. Links from Today’s Episode: Cumberland YMCA Webpage  Donate to support the YMCA – (Remember if you can donate your monthly membership now you will get a tax receipt).Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Cumberland County - This is the website for people who need help in our community or for people who are able to help. Today’s Episode as brought to you by: Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio – Their shop is closed right now, but you can still order online at hookingrugs.com. You can order all your rug hooking supplies to complete your projects. Or this is the perfect time to order a beginning rug hooking kit for someone you know and care about. You can place all your orders online at hookingrugs.com. Carter’s Sports Cresting is still available for your printing needs and can prepare all the safety notices and signs you need to ensure a safe worksite and store during the COVID-19 crisis.  Contact Mark and his team at 667-2525, online at  or on Facebook The Gratitude Project: This is something that I started because in my conversation with Mayor Kogon we talked about how the Public Works employees don’t get the thanks and recognition they deserve.  And I thought there are lots of people in our community who deserve thanks and a lot for us to be grateful for. I’m collecting these stories and sharing them as an episode on the Podcast.  Go to tgapod.com/thanks to share your thanks and your gratitude.     Trina Clarke’s Bio:  Trina Clarke is the CEO of the YMCA of Cumberland. During her 23 year career at the YMCA Trina has worked in various roles encompassing people of all ages. One of her greatest learnings to date is that whether you are trying to convince a three year old to put on their jacket or a government official to support a community initiative the strategies employed are very similar and patience truly is a virtue. She has been married 25 years to husband Kenny Clarke and is the mother of 3 children; (Hannah) 23, (Landen) 20, and (Jenna) 17. Trina truly believes that the YMCA plays a pivotal role in creating a strong and vibrant community and works every day with her team to accomplish that goal.

E14:  Today’s guest is Susan McIsaac with McIsaac Darragh Chartered Accountants in Amherst, NS.  Susan started work with Grant Thornton in Amherst, NS and earned her CA designation in 1990.  She purchased the Grant Thornton office in 1999 and opened sj McIsaac Chartered Accountants.  In 2007 Vicki Darragh became a partner in the office and the name changed to McIsaac Darragh Chartered Accountants. Susan has been active in our community and her profession.  I wanted Susan to come on the podcast because she was instrumental in the creation and development of the Cumberland Business Connector. In Episode 4 with Ron Furlong of the , and Episode 7 with Mayor David Kogon, we talked about the Cumberland Business Connector. I thought a lot of people may not know what the Connector is, who Jonathan MacLellan is, and the history behind the Connector. Especially, that the Connector was created by a and still run by a team of local businesspeople. Susan told us the story of how the Cumberland Business Connector was formed who was at the initial meetings, how Jonathan was hired to be the CEO, some of the projects they have taken on and executed, and most importantly how the Cumberland Business Connector can help any business on a regular basis, but especially how it can help during this situation. As I said during the interview, Jonathan McLellan is a great guy and a fantastic resource for our community and counties. He is available and willing and wants to help. I apologize in advance to him for Susan and I volunteering him as the point of contact for everything we talked about. However, for members of our community is a resource we are lucky to have. Before we got to the Cumberland Business Connector, Susan shared her story of how she got into accounting – it was not a straight path, and required a meeting with a former local accountant, Kirk Ferguson.  We talked a lot about what an accounting firm like McIsaac Darragh does and offers to our community and local businesses. Finally, Susan also told us who convinced her that teaching accounting wasn’t her calling and she should stick to helping businesses. If you have subscribed on Apple Podcasts already, I appreciate that.  If you haven’t, please subscribe here so you don’t miss any episodes. ___A Couple Terms from today’s episode: Regional Enterprise Networks – Boards funded by the Provincial governments to focus and promote economic development for different regions of the Province. Public Accountant – Accountants who work as third-party firms for businesses ___ Links from Today’s Episode: Cumberland Business Connector Board of Director’s for the Cumberland Business Connector Ivany Report ____Today’s episode is brought to you by: The Bicycle Specialist – Basil and Julie Hicks are open limited hours and are willing to pick up your bike, stroller or other items that need servicing. Find The Bicycle Specialist on Facebook or by phone at 660-3393. Our Backyard BBQ and Smokehouse – Located in the Amherst Town Square Mall, Greg and his team are still open preparing BBQ orders for takeout orders only. Contact them by phone at 661-6146 or by Facebook to ask about their 15% discount for essential workers. The Great Amherst Gratitude Project  I’m collecting these stories and sharing them as an episode on the Podcast.  Go to tgapod.com/thanks to share your Thanks and your gratitude.     

E13:  Welcome to Episode 2 of the Gratitude Project.  I am grateful to share these stories and submissions with you again this week.  And I am always thankful for Holly Casey with Arc Social Media for coming back to help present the stories.As mentioned previously, this idea came out of the interview I did with Mayor David Kogon.  We talked about how Public Works employees do not get the recognition or thanks they deserve for the work they do for all of us.  I thought some more and realized there are a lot of people who deserve thanks that don't always get it.  I decided to create this project.If you've enjoyed hearing other stories and submissions, please submit yours.  tgapod.com/thanks .  Once we have enough submissions we'll record another episode.AndrewThe people who submitted today are:- Brian Calder- Lisa Gilbert- Margaret Montrose- Geoff De Gannes- Jack W- Jennifer W- Julie Ripley-Gould- Joan Beswick- Leon Landry- Norm Robitza- Saundra MacMullinToday's Episode was brought to you by: Tony Mitchell with Royal LePage Cumberland Realty. For anyone looking to buy or sell their house contact Tony at 664-1372 or on Facebook to discuss your options right now. D&E Smoked Meats, Kitchen and Catering - Dan and Elizabeth have been providing meals for members of our community who need some help.  If you are in a position to sponsor some meals please call Dan at (902) 397-4868

E12:  Today’s guest is Stephanie Allen.  Stephanie has a variety of different expertise: massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and consulting, which ultimately helps her clients break through barriers to live healthier lives and build stronger connections. I arranged an interview with Stephanie, outlined the topics we would discuss, and had planned on airing the interview in a couple of weeks.  Then last weekend happened.   When we started the interview, I decided to move it up in our schedule – the discussion felt timely and addressed how so many of us are feeling right now.   Stephanie and I talk a lot about how to sit and be with the feelings you may be experiencing after last weekend; why feeling your feelings now is important; then some questions to ask yourself as you move forward. Stephanie leads me and us through a simple breathing exercise during the episode. She also tells us about her “Day from Hell” and the journey it led her on.I hope some of Stephanie’s suggestions provide you some guidance and relief during this time.    Links Gateway Development  - https://gatewaydevelopment.ca/, on Facebook  Home of the services Stephanie and her team offer in Amherst, NS Stephaniejallen.com -  Home of Stephanie’s speaking, coaching and consulting programs.-- The Gratitude Project:We are still looking for more submissions of Thanks, Appreciation and Gratitude about our Community and its members.  Please share your stories here.You can listen to episode 1 of the Gratitude Project here.-- Today’s episode is brought to you by: Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio - The shop on Church Street is closed right now, but you can still order online at hookingrugs.com – get all your rug hooking supplies to complete your projects. Or this is the perfect time to order a beginner rug hooking kit for someone you know and care about. You can place all your orders online at hookingrugs.com.  Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio   Simply for Life Amherst @simplyforlifeamherst Simply for Life in Amherst is still open and has moved to virtual consultations with new and existing clients. Yes, you can still enroll as a new client now. The Market is available for curbside pick ups and delivery, and you can find more information on available products at Facebook.com/Simplyforlifeamherst

Submit your Thanks or Gratitude Here.E011:  Here it is, Episode 1 of The Gratitude Project.  I decided to start this project about ten days ago to make sure that we can focus on the positive memories and parts of our communities while we were dealing with social distancing because of COVID-19.  I had no clue what as coming our way.  Then the events of last weekend happened and I wasn't sure whether I could carry on and record this episode.  Luckily I'd already recruited Holly Casey to come on and help me record it and I couldn't back out.  Thank you   I am proud of this episode, I am proud of the submissions you made, and I am proud of us and our community.  It's not fair that we need to deal with this too - yet, we will.I apologize to the people who submitted and we weren't able to share your story.  We couldn't get to all submissions for this episode, and that just means we get to do another episode.  Please submit your thanks and stories of gratitude at www.tgapod.com/thanks and we will share them on another episode.Our submitters for today's episode are: (You can decide if you want to share this with the person who offered thanks to.)- Sarah MacMaster- Ryan Reynolds- Jennifer Dow- Bridget Bewsick- Bruce Russell- Dawn Ferris- Lynn Blandford- Rev. Natasha Pearen- Beth Estabrooks- Pete Davidson- Jill Lowerison- Zack Knol- Cynthia M- Judy Luton- Beverly Dimmick- Janice PykeIf you enjoyed this episode please subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you don't miss any future episodes.Take care of yourselves and each other -Andrew____Today's Episode was brought to you by: Tony Mitchell with Royal LePage Cumberland Realty. For anyone looking to buy or sell their house contact Tony at 664-1372 or on Facebook to discuss your options right now. Jeff White, with White's Computer Services is looking for people that have old computers they aren't using. Jeff is formatting, fixing and re-purposing these computers for students who need a computer to do schooling online but don't have access to one at home. Contact Jeff on Facebook to arrange to drop off your computer.

E10:  Today’s guest is Denise Corey, the Chief Librarian of Cumberland Public Libraries. Denise has lived in Amherst since 2008 and was originally from New Brunswick. Denise is active in the Rotary Club and on the Fibre Arts Festival Board. I wanted Denise to come on and talk about the Library Service and what it adds to our communities. I emphasize communities because Cumberland Public Libraries has branches in seven communities in Cumberland County: Amherst, Springhill, Oxford, Pugwash, Parrsboro, River Hebert and Advocate Harbour.  Plus you can borrow books by mail.  Denise and I talked a lot about the other services the library adds to our communities, including technology training for seniors, day camps for students, early literacy training and support, equipment loaning, puzzles, and Internet access among many other programs.  We talked about the importance of early literacy development for children, and I shared a story that I remember about a former Governor General who visited Amherst. Denise outlined how and what services the library is still offering during social distancing.  And finally, Denise shared a lot more info about the Library’s budget that I found shocking. Listen to the episode to hear that discussion. Some links from the episode: Cumberland Public Library Website http://www.cumberlandpubliclibraries.ca/index.php Access Electronic Books  http://www.cumberlandpubliclibraries.ca/index.php?pagecontentid=653&demoid=1&linkid=1&menuid=1&a=a Copies of Annual Reports http://www.cumberlandpubliclibraries.ca/index.php?pagecontentid=545&demoid=1&linkid=5&menuid=1 Donate to CPL through Canada Helps https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/6145Doodles with Mo Willemshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmzjCPQv3y8 My Two Favourite Librarians  On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mytwofavouritelibrarians/ Or listen on CFTA at 107.9 FM or cftafm.com___ Today’s episode was brought to you by: Mansour’s Menswear – Their doors are closed, but you can still shop online. Use promo code Andrew at check out to get a $10 gift card towards your next Purchase. Like them on Facebook for most recent updates and specials. D&E Smoked Meat, Kitchen and Catering – They are still open on Willow St Extension and still preparing high quality meals and food. The best way to get in touch is to call at 902 397-4868.