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This week’s email is filled to the brim with events, engagement opportunities, funding, and programming, so do read to the end!
The most exciting thing this weekend in Dartmouth is the Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival! Come on downtown and see the beautiful sculptures being made and enjoy a variety of treats from downtown businesses.
Sadly the news was recently released that HRM will no longer be testing for ice thickness. With the cold weather there are many people taking to the lakes but just an added note of caution to be careful before you step out on the ice!
Now that the snow and cold seemed to have arrived in earnest it’s the season to stay warm and cozy if you can! If you’re in a position to help those who may not be able to please consider a donation to one of the many wonderful helping organizations in Dartmouth. |
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African Heritage Month 2024
This February marks the 40th anniversary of the celebration of African Heritage Month here in Nova Scotia! |
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This year’s theme is Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians. It is a time to celebrate and recognize the history and culture of people of African descent. The theme aligns with the final year of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD) 2015-2024. There are so many events and opportunities during this month. Check out links below! |
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| Renters’ Rights Info Session 2
Back by popular demand, we are hosting a second renters’ right information session with the Alderney Gate Library. Dalhousie Legal Aid will give a presentation on renters’ rights and common tenancy issues renters face. Nova Scotia ACORN will speak to their advocacy and policy wins. Bring questions, bring a friend! | |
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Autism Family Support Fund
This one-time fund has been established to help lower-income families with out-of-pocket expenses related to supporting their child (of up to and including 16 years of age) with an autism diagnosis. |
| The maximum amount of funding is $3,000 per child for approved applications meeting eligibility criteria. | |
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The House is Back in Session (soon)
I’ll be heading back to the legislature on February 27. If you have issues you’re concerned about or community members or organizations you’d like to see celebrated please don’t hesitate to reach out. |
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Remember, there’s lots of information about how you can participate in the legislative process on my website. I’m always looking for groups and individuals in our community who are doing exceptional work or meet significant milestones to honour in the House, so do check out my recognize a community member page.
As always, if you need assistance, please reach out to my office at 902-406-2301 or claudiachendermla@gmail.com.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Claudia
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Provincial |
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| Help Make Transportation in Nova Scotia More Accessible
The Accessibility Advisory Board is now recruiting members for the Public Transportation Standard Development Committee to support the development of an accessibility standard in public transportation. Applicants should be: People with disabilities Representatives of disability organizations Representatives of public transportation providers, such as municipalities, rural transportation providers, and businesses Others who know about accessible transportation and barriers
Applications are being accepted until January 31st, 2024.
Information about the committee and how to apply can be found in English, ASL and French on the Accessibility Directorate website.
Visit https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/ or call 902-424-8280 for more information. |
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Medal of Bravery Nominations Open
Nova Scotians have an opportunity to honour people who have put themselves at risk to help others by nominating them for the Medal of Bravery.
Nomination forms are available at Access Nova Scotia centres, MLA offices and online. The deadline for nominations is May 1 |
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Acts of bravery that occurred on or after January 1, 2021, are eligible for nomination. Any Nova Scotian who performed an act of bravery beyond what is expected of them is eligible for nomination whether the incident took place in the province or not. An advisory committee reviews all nominations and puts forward its recommendations for recognition. |
Engagement: Spring Bear Hunt |
The Government of Nova Scotia is proposing to hold a spring bear hunt as a pilot project this year. Share your feedback to help shape the pilot project and spring bear hunting in the future. All Nova Scotians are welcome to participate. |
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Community |
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A Retrospective of Films by Alan Collins at Christ Church |
| The opening film for a New Film Series “One Warm Line” The Legacy of Stan Rogers (46mins). Stan Rogers returns to Nova Scotia, the inspiration for many of his songs and the home of many of his family members. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. | Friday, January 26th at 7pm in Christ Church Dartmouth
Admission: $10 |
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 | Those interested in applying for internship positions can do so here: The deadline to apply is January 31. |
| Internship Program
Want more information about COVE's Internship Program and how it can assist you in your career path in the marine sector? COVE is hosting a virtual information session on Monday, January 29th ay 7 pm AST. | | |
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Free Activities at the Zatzman Sportsplex
The Sportsplex offers a number of free recreational opportunities for our community! Head to zatzmansportsplex.com to for details and to sign up! |
 | Free ZumbaEvery Sunday at 9:30 here at the Sportsplex we offer FREE Zumba classes to get your body moving. This means even non-members are welcome to come and move.
Even better, there is no registration required. Simply come and tell the front desk that you are here for Zumba. Let's all come and dance away the winter blues! |
|  | Free Youth SwimDid you know that on Friday's the Zatzman Sportsplex offers a free swim to people between 12-15?
No membership needed. Everyone is welcome.
Registration is required on your Halifax MyRec account and you can only sign up one week in advance. |
|  | Free Track AccessCome get out of the cold and walk!
Did you know on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays our walking track is free for everyone? That means members and non-members can utilize our track to get those steps in and keep warm!
The track is open from 6am-9pm, simply come on in and tell our awesome front desk that you are here to walk the track. See you there! |
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FREE Computer Training Programs for AdultsLearn how to use your Free Microsoft One Drive account. Gain essential digital skills for work. You will create these sample projects: MS Word create and format a resume MS Excel create and manage an invoice MS Powerpoint create and present a staff meeting
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm - 4pm starting in February. Registration is required. Call the Dartmouth Learning Network today: 902-463-9179 |
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Community Access Program (CAP) |
| The next intake of Independent Living Nova Scotia’s Community Access Program (CAP) starts February 12, 2024. CAP is a 9-week pre-employment program perfect for anyone who is: 18-24 years old Living in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Wanting to connect with their community Looking to develop life and employment skills
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Those interested can apply for CAP at the following link: https://ilns.ca/cap/ or get in touch with program staff at cap@ilns.ca or 902-453-0004. |
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The Sobey Award Program
Applications for Sobey Award Program for the 2024-2025 academic year are now open. This program supports 80 students entering NSCC on a full-time basis each year. The award is valued at $6,000 and is renewable for students entering multi-year programs. |  |
| | The Sobey Award Program is designed to encourage and assist individuals who are facing financial challenges and who, without this support would not be able to attend College; with support in strengthening skills and abilities to help secure meaningful employment; and with help to become a role model in their communities.
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Amy Farnell Education Awards
This award is intended to support full-time post-secondary Nova Scotia students on the autism spectrum with an award of $3,000 a year, renewable for up to four years. Applications open for the 2024/2025 academic year will open February 15, 2024. | |
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| It's In Your Hands: Legal Information for Seniors and Their Families
Everyone has questions about laws that affect our lives. Our questions may change over time with world events, and as we grow up, move into the workforce, start a family, care for loved ones, plan for retirement and become older adults ourselves.
It's In Your Hands aims to increase understanding of everyday legal issues and planning for the future with a focus on preventing legal problems, and increase the knowledge and understanding of family members, friends, caregivers, and service providers about legal and financial issues affecting older adults, and about some relevant resources and supports. |
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Volunteer Opportunities |
Patient/Family AdvisorHealthy Minds Coop works together with Nova Scotia Health (Central Zone) to help the Mental Health and Addictions Quality Committees find passionate community members who have lived experience with mental health and addiction challenges. If selected, community members join monthly quality team or committee meetings with NS Health administrators to ensure that programs are doing all that they can do to help and support Nova Scotians who are experiencing mental health challenges. |
| If you have personal experience of living with a diagnosed mental health challenge (including addiction) - OR - you have been the primary care giver for someone who has, we invite and encourage you to become an engaged citizen and to give back by getting involved as a Patient/Family Advisor (PFA)! | |
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2024 Black Career Mentor
The PREP Academy is seeking Black Career Mentors in the fields of Health, Science, Social Work and Child & Youth to motivate high school students pathway, share your experience and insights to your career and help students understand and gain experience in workplaces.
The PREP Academy’s Micro-Internship Program is a four day internship experience designed to equip African Nova Scotian students with workforce development training, employability skills, career exploration, job readiness training and a paid internship in high school before transitioning to college and university. Click here to learn more about the program! |
Mentors will be paired with two high school students. We find a buddy system works best and allows students to be more comfortable. |
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Dartmouth Players Front of House
Do you enjoy murder mysteries and volunteering with community theatre? Then why not sign up for Front of House for our one-act plays, and enjoy the show for free. The Dartmouth Players need you help! |
The location of our February performance of ‘Murder Mondays’ written by Julianne Richard and ‘There Was a Mouse’ written by Pam Wood will be St. James Church Hall in Dartmouth. The address is 183 Portland St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1J5.
Performance dates: February 9th - 25th. |
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Surveys |
There’s a lot of interesting research going on in Nova Scotia. Take a look at some of the work that’s come across my office desk and take part if you can. |
Community Health Boards
Since fall 2023, the 35 CHBs have been asking people to identify what factors impact the health and well-being of their communities. This includes social determinants of health like income, housing, education, social supports, and more. They do not include things that are part of the traditional health care system like providing services, accessing care providers, recruiting health care professionals, etc. This community input, along with data and evidence, will be used to develop the CHBs’ community health plans.
Share your input through a quick survey at www.engageCHBs.ca and select your health zone’s specific page or by calling 1-844-983-1240.
The survey is open until January 31, 2024. | |
| Seniors Mental Health
The Canadian Mental Health Commission of Canada invites you to participate in a brief survey about priorities, enablers, barriers, and opportunities related to older adult mental health and well-being. Your input will help inform a research study about the current landscape of older adult mental health and well-being needs in Canada.
You may participate in the survey if you live in Canada and match at least one of the following criteria: Older adult (55 years of age or older) Care partner of an older adult Health or social care provider Researcher with a focus on older adult mental health. Policy maker or individual working in the policy sector.
This survey closes February 13th, 2024 | |
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Impacts Of Gambling On Nova Scotia Communities
Gambling Risk Informed Nova Scotia (GRINS) raises awareness of the risks and harms gambling can cause in local communities – not only for individuals, but also for communities as a whole.
We want you to tell us your story about what you have noticed about the impacts of gambling so that we can share it to raise awareness of the risks and harm that gambling can cause, not just to people who gamble, but to our whole communities. | |
| Views of People Living with Mental Health or Substance Use Issues in Nova Scotia About Crisis Response Services
Are living in Nova Scotia? Do you have personal experience living with a mental health or substance use issue? Are you 15 years of age or older?
If yes, then you are invited to take part in an online survey being conducted by a researcher at Saint Mary's University who would like to learn more about people's experiences, views, and preferences regarding crisis response services.
For further information about the study, contact: Dr. Jamie Livingston at 902-491-6258 or jamie.livingston@smu.ca | |
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Help Needed |
| Water Resistant Winter Gloves
Margaret's House has a critical need for very warm, water resistant winter gloves. The bitter cold stretch we're experiencing makes these more effective than knitted gloves or mittens right now. Eighty percent of our guests are adult male and 20% are female.
Thank you for your support! |
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Resources |
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Follow Claudia |
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