Another great week has come and gone in Malagash and September is almost over. The leaves are starting to turn to their brilliant colors. What a beautiful time of the year! However, we know what is coming in a few months. Feeling sorry for our friends in Alberta with their first dump of snow – you never know when the first one will happen here.
What a pleasure it was to drive through Tatamagouche this past week. They were celebrating the 40th anniversary of the annual Oktoberfest events. Hard to imagine that 40 years have gone by! The village goes all out to celebrate this event and practically every business was decorated for the occasion. The side parking lot at Foodland and NSLC was crowded with just about every type of RV, from a small pop-up to large buses and Motor homes.
I am sure the motel was booked solid as were many of the cottages and B&Bs in the area. September is a busy month for entertainment as Jost's Maritime Music Stomp was held in the middle of the month and then Oktoberfest at the later part.
A few young ladies from HRM were visiting at a cottage in our sub-division and popped in to the event Friday evening for the first time. They were amazed at the decorations and venue's in the arena. I would love to know how many hours it takes to put up all the trappings – it certainly is an amazing sight.
On Sunday, Sept. 29, the Malagash Church had a very special speaker for their service. Roxanne Sperry, a student in her last year of theological studies at Atlantic School of Theology, brought a most enlightening message. She is a veterinary chaplain! We had never heard of this type of service but why not?
most cases, an animal is a part of the family. In fact, her 16-month-old Collie, Drake, accompanied her and was capably dog sat during the service. The loss of a beloved pet can be very hard on a person--especially if they are their only companion.
Roxanne has established the Canadian Association of Veterinary Chaplains and is connected with groups in England and several other countries. I’m looking forward to hearing more about this service in the future.
After our service, Roxanne and Drake went on to St Andrew's in Fox Harbour and I can imagine the Sunday School students had a great time with this lovely dog.
The card parties have started once again in the community hall and the first one had seven tables in play with Jeanette Murray taking home the high ladies prize. The men's high went to Ian Menzie. Donna Langille started out her year by winning the Lucky with the 50/50 going to Dave LeBlanc.
Walking is going ahead full steam in our community hall. We walk three mornings a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. There is always room for one more!
Wallace Community Hall is also open for walking on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9. It’s a great way to stay fit, lose weight and enjoy the company of other walkers. Maybe more communities will jump on the bandwagon and start a group.
Thanksgiving will soon be upon us – lots of pumpkins in the stores – wonder if there is a pumpkin "U" pick in Cumberland County? Need one for our fresh pumpkin pie – nothing tastes better! Used to love going to the Valley with our kids many years ago to hand pick their pumpkin for a Jack-O-Lantern.
What fun the girls had with their dad, picking it out and then all working together to carve out a unique one.
Have a great week everyone and stay safe!
Thanksgiving approaches let us all sit back and think about all the things we have to be thankful for – a beautiful country, great friends, good food, and most importantly free speech, and the freedom to worship where and how we want and to live our lives in peace.
Marian Durling writes for the Malagash area for the Amherst News.