The Orenda Canoe Club has been serving Lake Echo and the surrounding communities for over thirty years by promoting paddling for the area youth.  The quality of each volunteer is reflected in the success of each participant.  These youth have excelled and succeeded in putting their community on the map and they do not hesitate to give back by picking up the torch of volunteering and coaching themselves.  Here's what one of our champions had to say:

"Over the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of being a member of Orenda as an athlete, a committee member and coach.  I would like to highlight all of the great things that this club has brought to my life, but in reality this club is my life.  

With very few exceptions, all of the friends I have were made during my years at the club. The characteristics that make up the person I have become were learned (both formally and informally) through sports and Orenda.  This club provided me with the avenue to dream and to realize these dreams.

I began paddling in “kiddie canoe” and got my first dose of confronting fear after blowing away down the lake then returning for a second try the next week.  I soon developed a competitive spirit and learned the values of fair play and hard work once the races began.

I am pleased to hear that transition houses and women's centres will receive a funding increase to continue providing services to women and girls across the province.

These centres provide individual counselling to women in crisis situations as well as programs that support the well being of girls, female adolescents and women. The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia and outreach organizations provide crisis and transitional services for women and their children who experience violence and abuse.

Should you require more information, contact the Department of Community Services at 1-877-424-1177 or (902)-424-5074

26 Bones & 33 Joints. Considering about 75% of us will experience foot pain at some time in our lives – one would assume that caring for our feet would come naturally – without resentment.  Most certainly – and especially for diabetics – foot care should be considered a first line of defense against more serious health related problems.  On average each of us walks about four miles/day – almost one hundred and fifteen thousand miles in a lifetime!  Our feet will cushion several tons of force on these journeys.  So, with that in mind, what have you done for your feet today?

At the very least our feet should be inspected following a daily wash with soap and water – drying between the toes and checking for open areas; roughened heels and toes should be carefully scrubbed with a pumice stone; nails should be trimmed straight across; regular moisturizing will preserve skin integrity.  Many foot related ailments are easily treated with early recognition and intervention.  When one considers the complexity of each foot – twenty six bones, thirty three joints and several hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments – our feet are truly an engineering marvel that should be cared for with a well deserved respect.  Unfortunately, hidden away within the confines of our shoes – “out of sight/out of mind” – until painful objections are raised at the abuses suffered – our staunchest supporters – our feet - are often forgotten.  At the very least – taken for granted.  So I ask you – what have you done for your feet today?

Marcienne Mason, RN, Proprietor of "Toe To Sole Foot Care" is a Foot Care Specialists and specializes in advanced and diabetic foot care.  She can be contacted at Mmason57@hotmail.com or (902)-434-6070.

In order to hold a parade or a road race, it is necessary that the following steps and actions be taken:

North Preston and Dartmouth Area

Permit: Before you can have a parade or a race you must first obtain a permit.  A permit can be obtained by calling the Traffic Analyst with the Traffic and Transportation Department of HRM at (902)-490-4822.

RCMP: You must have a police escort.  You can obtain the escort through the local RCMP detachment in your area.  Before the escort is approved you must have the permit mentioned above.  The permit can be faxed to (902)-426-4185.

County:  (Cherry Brook, East Preston, Lake Echo, etc.)

Permit: A permit must be obtained from the Department of Transportation as they control the roads in these areas.  Call (902)-424-6741.  The fax number is (902)-424-7024.

RCMP: Follow the same procedure as mentioned in North Preston/Dartmouth Area above.

NOTE: We have a supply of the application forms in the Constituency Office for both road races and parades.