A Pocket Park for Kentville
For the month of October a group of Kentville citizens have installed a pocket park in one parking space in Kentville’s Centre Square. A pocket park is a micro, temporary version of a real park. It shows the possibilities of greening a space, without the long-term commitment.
The group created the park to start a conversation about how we use public space in downtown Kentville.
Some points to consider:
Our town square is built for cars, and not people. Are there ways we could use this space more effectively?
Could local businesses benefit from more pedestrian traffic, rather than a direct path from the car to the door?
Would people spend more time in the downtown core if they had places to gather, relax, and enjoy a leisure activity?
Are there ways to encourage commuters to use parking facilities outside of Centre Square? (There are lots of unused parking lots/spaces only a block or two away!)
If you are interested in joining the conversation you can post on the 'Brainstorming Kentville' Facebook page or write down your thoughts in the park journal (this can be found in a box under the bench).
Thank you to Blomidon Nurseries and Michael DeLuca Woodworking for the park donations! And, a huge thank you to Genevieve Allen Hern and team for creating this thought-provoking space for Kentville!
What's Happening in Kentville
Checkout these websites to find out what is happening in the area!
Recognizing Mander
Kentville Police Chief Mark Mander, left, was recognized by Chief Edgar MacLeod on Sept. 28 for his efforts to fight prescription drug deaths. Read more
A Cell Tower for Kentville?
Eastlink is eyeing a piece of land in Kentville’s industrial park as the potential site for a new telecommunications tower. Read more
Pumpkin Fame
The National Post recently published a series of pumpkin recipes including a pumpkin soup from the Designer Cafe in Kentville! Read more
In the Community
KDCL Family Public Art Project & Fundraiser
The Shire Town Media Arts Business Collective, an initiative of the Kentville Development Corporation Ltd. (KDCL), is hosting a project which will have two objectives 1. To raise money to buy art supplies for Kings County Academy (KCA). and 2. to beautify a long vacant property on Main Street, Kentville.
During the month of October Uncommon Common Art (UCA) will be conducting “Birds in Flight” an art education program at seven Kings County Elementary schools. UCA director Terry Drahos will bring this same art program to Main Street Kentville. Inviting the area children and their families to stencil flocks of birds on the façade of the Robinson (Edge) Building on Saturday October 24th. The public will be asked to make a donation with proceeds going towards much needed art supplies at KCA. Merchants will be asked to donate materials to help prepare the building façade for the painting project. This has the potential to be a win win event with the children and their families having a fun time helping to beautify the town and gaining more art supplies for their classrooms.
Plan to donate!Plan to attend!
Saturday October 24, 2015, 11- 2:00pm. The Robinson Building, 382 Main Street, Kentville
For more information and to donate, contact us at 902-678-1745 or email jd@kdcl.ca.
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors
Make a Difference to the Health of our Community!
Are you interested in improving the health of our community by changing the conditions where we live, work and play ?
To learn more about how you can do this as a Community Health Board volunteer, contact the Central Kings CHB: ckchb@nshealth.ca or 902-538-7088.
Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade Gift Sale: October 23-24, Kentville
It is that time of year again! The Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade Gift Sale is coming to Kentville for the 8th year!
For two days (Fri 12-8; Sat 9-3) the Friends of Ten Thousand Villages offers the Valley community an opportunity to make a difference by shopping fair trade. Shoppers will discover hundreds of handcrafted home décor items, musical instruments, ornaments, toys and jewelry made by skilled artisans in more than 30 Developing countries. It is a great time to get some Christmas shopping done or pick up something special for yourself!
Ten Thousand Villages Canada creates opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn an income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term trading relationships. This income helps pay for food, education, health care, and housing. Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed, or underemployed. Ten Thousand Villages works with over 120 different artisans groups from more than 30 countries across the globe. All proceeds from the Kentville Festival Sale benefit Ten Thousand Villages artisan partners.
Refugee Support Bottle Drive: October 31
Help support a refugee family moving to the area
Kentville Baptist Church Parking Lot
The Kentville Baptist Church will be holding a
Bottle Drive to raise funds to help support refugee
sponsorship. Please bring your refundable bottles to the Kentville Baptist Church parking lot
between 9am and 1 2 noon on Saturday October
31st.
Help us to help refugees to start a new life!
Kentville Indoor Market The Kentville Farmers Market held its first indoor Market of the Winter Season at the Kentville Lions Hall on October 14th and it started off with a bang. Community members, vendors, town staff and the Little Pumpkins Daycare group led by Piper Ed Coleman paraded from Centre Square to the Lions Hall to celebrate the start of the indoor season.
The move inside for the winter is exciting for both the Market and the Lions Club who look forward to working together to keep the vibrancy of the Market alive over the winter months in a new larger space offering better parking, and more accessibility. “We were operating in the Rec Centre for the Winter previously which was problematic for a few different reasons, the top two being lack of parking and accessibility issues”, says Lindsay Young, CEDC for the Town. “Vendors didn’t have enough space at ground level, and customers with mobility issues couldn’t reach the second floor easily. It’s a win win that we found a space downtown that fixes both of those problems for the Market, and that we can keep a building downtown busy over the winter”.
The move to the Lions Hall is at this point, just for the winter. “No decision has been made yet by the
Farmers Market Society Board (made up of volunteers who are also vendors) to stay at the Lions Hall year round. At this point the plan is still to move back to Centre Square for the outdoor season. We will
make sure to notify folks in plenty of time if that changes”, says Young.
“The first Market of the season was deemed a success by vendors and customers”, says Manager
Catherine Coles. Coles works 4 days a week organizing all operational aspects of the Market with
direction from the Volunteer Board. “Change can be difficult to navigate, but we think we pulled this
first Market day off quite well. We hope the rest of the season is a success also”.
You can visit the Kentville Farmers Market all winter long at the Lions Hall on River Street on Wednesdays from 10-2. There is long term parking on site and the building is fully accessible.
Last year was a spooky success so this year’s students are at it again! Join NSCC, The Town of Kentville and sponsoring businesses for a fun and spooky fundraiser in support of Miner’s Marsh. Walk the Marsh lined with over 250 carved jack-o-lanterns, visit stations where you can learn about Town History, the Marsh itself, or all about Halowe’en from Tourism Students.
The event is free, just bring a food bank donation or a free will offering. All proceeds go towards the maintenance and upkeep of our favourite place in Kentville! At the end of the evening find your favourite carved pumpkin to take home! We hope to see you there!
October 28th, 2015 (Rain Date October 29th)
Event runs 6:30-8:30 at Miner’s Marsh
Free will offering or food bank donation suggested
Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival: Annual General Meeting
Thursday, October 29, 2015 – 7:00 pm
Kings County Museum, 37 Cornwallis Street, Kentville
All Annapolis Valley residents, including individuals, corporations & businesses, and other service clubs & organizations, are welcome.
RSVP appreciated but not required.
Family Adventure Day in the Kentville Ravine, November 1
On Sunday November 1st come join the Town of Kentville and Acadia University students for an adventure filled day spent playing games outdoors and reconnecting with nature at the Kentville Ravine.
Active and exciting games like bean bag tag, slack lining and treasure hunts begin at 1:00 PM and run until 4:00 PM. Families of all ages are welcome to drop by!
Skating Passes
Looking for the perfect gift (or alternative to a treat bag for your child's birthday party)? Consider getting a skate pass for the Kentville Centennial Arena! We've got 10 and 20 skate options available Get in touch with Gillian in the office for more details!
Kentville Business Profile
Balanced & Soul Clothing and Accessories Shakti pants, mala beads, clothing, bags, wall hangings all directly from India. We offer unique and authentic journeys to India!
The inspiration for Balanced Soul Clothing and Accessories came about while travelling throughout India. It was developed for the conscious consumer, whether we're choosing pieces from our own designers or from the local "mom and pop" market shops in Vrindavan, India, we always support women's initiative projects or causes that stay true to our intention of helping make the world a better place.
It’s one answer to corporate consumerism; by purchasing from Balanced Soul Clothing and Accessories you’ll be supporting families in India, where the difference in a day of sales can mean the difference in whether or not there is food on the table. We also offer select designer items that meet our criteria for conscious shopping.
Consider hosting a trunk show and we bring our treasures directly to you and your friends!
Balanced & Soul is located at 366 Main St, (behind the Aveda Salon). More information
Kentville Cooks
Each edition we will feature a different Kentville resident with a favourite recipe. Would you like to be featured? Email us!
Cheryl Lake has lived in Kentville since 2008 when she and her husband returned back home to the Annapolis Valley after living in Calgary for seven years.
Cheryl is a mom to two girls; professionally, she is an Occupational Therapist. She currently work as Clinic Manager with KINGS Physiotherapy Clinic (CBI Health Group) in New Minas.
"I love living in Kentville because I can be a part of an evolving community, with a wonderful school and opportunities for family activities. Above all, being in the Valley!"
Puree of Carrot & Parsnip Soup
1 tsp. vegetable oil
2 cups chopped carrots (approx. 4 medium)
1 cup chopped parsnips (approx. 2 medium)
1 small onion-chopped
1 medium potato-chopped
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 ½ cups milk
chives or green onion-diced (for garnish)
Toss oil with carrots, parsnips, onion and potato in a large saucepan
Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until tender
Stir in broth and bring to a boil
Reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes
Puree with hand blender until smooth
Stir in milk
Garnish with dollop of sour cream, chives and/or green onion
Historical Moment
Maria Jane Barnaby Ross In 1844, Maria Barnaby married Edward Ross, son of William and Mary Ross (who were among the original settlers of New Ross).
Maria and Edward moved back and forth between Nova Scotia and Boston where Edward continually became involved in financial shenanigans.
When living in Kentville, Maria died, and was buried at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Edward moved back to Ross Farm where he died 12 years later and is buried there. More
KCA News
Taste a Rainbow! KCA's Taste a Rainbow Snack Program provides an opportunity for all KCA students and staff to try a different fruit or vegetable on the first Thursday of every month, with a focus on seasonal and local produce. By providing a free and healthy snack each month, the farm to school program aims to help increase students’ awareness of nutritional benefits and local availability, help increase their fruit and vegetable intake and help support healthy school environments.
Throughout the four years of the program, the students have eagerly tried everything from apples and blueberries to kohlrabi and celeriac. Crinkle cut turnip sticks and pea shoots have been student favorites so far! They are willing to try anything! The students and staff continue to provide positive feedback and great enthusiasm for the program.
The program is run by a group of parent volunteers and funded by Annapolis Valley Health Promoting Schools and the Food for Thought Campaign. Please contact Dawn Hare at dawnhare@gmail.com for more information or if you are interested in volunteering with the program.
Arts and Culture
CentreStage Presents: Women of Lockerbie A story of redemption by Deborah Brevoort
Sept 25, 26, Oct 2, 3, 4m, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18m, 23, 24
Showtime 8pm; 2pm matinee on October 4 and 18
There is no intermission for this show.
Tickets $15/$12 (Call 902-678-8040)
Mature Subject Matter
A mother from New Jersey roams the hills of Lockerbie Scotland, looking for her son's remains that were lost in the crash of Pan Am 103. She meets the women of Lockerbie, who are fighting the U.S. government to obtain the clothing of the victims found in the plane's wreckage. The women, determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love, want to wash the clothes of the dead and return them to the victim's families. The Women of Lockerbie is loosely inspired by a true story, although the characters and situations in the play are purely fictional. Written in the structure of a Greek tragedy, it is a poetic drama about the triumph of love over hate. Winner of the silver medal in the Onassis International Playwriting Competition and the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays award. www.centrestagetheatre.ca
Citizen Question
Question: Does Kentville have a vision strategy? Or has the town done an envisioning process or have a plan of where we are going in the future?
Answer: The Kentville Planning Department works with our elected officials and the residents of our community to lead the planning process for Kentville with the goal of creating a livable and vibrant community.
The Department helps civic leaders, businesses, developers and citizens envision new possibilities and create a broad vision for the community. This vision is delivered in a number of ways, including through the Municipal Planning Strategy, Zoning Bylaw and the delivery or support of other Community Development related special projects and programs.
Land Use Planning is the traditional method of achieving the vision of the future for a community. It is the process of managing land uses; promoting healthy growth and community development; and protecting the living, production and recreational environments of a community. It expresses the community’s desires regarding where different types of expected growth will go, and in what densities, forms and quantities.
The Planning Department also strives, through the delivery and support of special projects and Community Development programs to promote a vibrant and active atmosphere in Kentville. Tourism, festival and event support, marketing, promotions, economic development projects and business district support are provided by the Planning Department through the Community Economic Development Coordinator.
In 2010, an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan was created for Kentville. See Report
Photos From You
Do you remember when Kentville looked like this?
Do you have a photo of Kentville you would like to share? Send it to us and we will publish it in an upcoming newsletter!
From the Kentville Town Council
Town Council Meeting
The next Kentville Town Council meeting will be on Monday, October 26 at 7pm in Council Chambers. These meetings are open to the public.
Chester Avenue Project
The Town is gearing up to start work on a 2.9 million dollar Chester Avenue Upgrade Project. Interested parties who want to keep an eye on the work being done, timelines and project details can log onto http://www.chesteravenue.com/ to stay in the know!
The Chester Avenue upgrade, with an estimated cost of $2.9 million over two years, was recently approved for New Build Canada Fund dollars. The three levels of government will split the bill for the project. Read more.
Back: Tony Bently, Eric Bolland, CAO Mark Phillips, Mark Pearl, Bernie Cooper Front: Town Clerk Carol Harmes, Bill Boyd, Mayor David Corkum, Nola Folker-Hill
Your Town Council wants to hear from you! Have a question you'd like answered about your community? Suggestion for content? Reply to this email and we'll work to include your voice in a future issue of our newsletter.
