Friday, June 27, 2008
What is Butterflies and Blooms?
By Joan Mackeigan
Professor Norman Goodyear of the Nova Scotia Agriculture College will lead an interactive presentation on Horticultural Therapy and what it can do for a community. The event is being sponsored by Butterflies and Blooms and will take place July 3, 2:30 pm, at River John Legion. Admission is FREE.
NSAC is inaugurating a new horticulture therapy diploma program in January 2009. Butterflies and Blooms is exploring ways it can help communities on the north shore get involved this initiative.
So what is Butterflies and Blooms and what is Horticultural Therapy?Firstly, what is Butterflies and Blooms?
Introduction:
A community is a composite of young and old, able and disabled people. A happy community is a vibrant place where all people, regardless of age and ability level, are integrated into the mainstream, enjoying employment and leisure activities.
In the real world, though, seniors and people with disabilities often find themselves excluded from the many activities so easily enjoyed by others. However, through imaginative projects that foster creativity, well being, and a sense of belonging, they can lead meaningful lives, contribute greatly to the society in which they live, and even become a rallying force in a community.
One of the most effective venues for integrative activities is a garden, because in a garden there is a place for everyone.
The stage is set. Enter Butterflies and Blooms.
Butterflies and Blooms is an independent, non-profit partnership organization started in April 2008 and run entirely by volunteers. Its mission is to partner with groups to organize activities that foster the wellbeing and integration into the community of seniors, people facing mental health issues, and people with physical and intellectual disabilities through activities based around a garden.
Activities could include vocational training, nutrition, rehab, music, art, and horticultural therapy, but usually include the laughter of children and always a good measure of fun.
We are currently reaching out to communities in Pictou, Colchester and Cumberland Counties.
The setting chosen for the initial project in the Butterflies and Blooms program is the five-acre, professionally landscaped Remembrance Garden in River John, Pictou County, behind the Legion on the River John Station Road.
This garden project also has use of an adjacent wheelchair-accessible, multi-purpose building with meeting areas, kitchen, theatre stage, washrooms, etc. Ideas for activities are limitless. The actual scope will depend on the breadth of imagination and willingness of community members to get involved and come out and have some fun and try something new.
Thus far, some of the activities being discussed include:* Herb garden * Plant nursery * Vegetable garden* Market kiosk * Community garden plots * Bakery/food services * Art * Music* Theatre* Woodworking * Pond restoration * Therapeutic riding * Residential component.
For info on a project that has provided us with lots of inspiration please check out Providence Farm in Duncan BC.
And secondly, what is Horticultural Therapy?
Health-care professionals have come to realize that horticulture is not just a rewarding pastime. Working with soil, seeds and plants can also be an enriching and curative experience.
The powers of nature, as seen in the growth of a plant, can be a great teacher. The life cycle of plants provides us with an example of hope for life renewed and a marvelous opportunity to begin again.
In its simplest form, horticultural therapy is a therapeutic process that uses plants and other horticultural activities to improve an individual's quality of life. Horticulture provides excellent stimuli for the senses: sight, taste, touch and smell. Using living material that requires nurturing and care, patients take part in activities that stimulate thought, exercise the body and encourage awareness of the external environment.
What can horticulture therapy do for our communities, who could benefit and how?
Come on July 3 and find out!
For further information, contact Joan MacKeigan, RR#3, River John, NS B0K 1N0; (902) 351-2697; Email: macmarwa@gmail.com
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Professor Norman Goodyear of the Nova Scotia Agriculture College will lead an interactive presentation on Horticultural Therapy and what it can do for a community. The event is being sponsored by Butterflies and Blooms and will take place July 3, 2:30 pm, at River John Legion. Admission is FREE.
NSAC is inaugurating a new horticulture therapy diploma program in January 2009. Butterflies and Blooms is exploring ways it can help communities on the north shore get involved this initiative.
So what is Butterflies and Blooms and what is Horticultural Therapy?Firstly, what is Butterflies and Blooms?
Introduction:
A community is a composite of young and old, able and disabled people. A happy community is a vibrant place where all people, regardless of age and ability level, are integrated into the mainstream, enjoying employment and leisure activities.
In the real world, though, seniors and people with disabilities often find themselves excluded from the many activities so easily enjoyed by others. However, through imaginative projects that foster creativity, well being, and a sense of belonging, they can lead meaningful lives, contribute greatly to the society in which they live, and even become a rallying force in a community.
One of the most effective venues for integrative activities is a garden, because in a garden there is a place for everyone.
The stage is set. Enter Butterflies and Blooms.
Butterflies and Blooms is an independent, non-profit partnership organization started in April 2008 and run entirely by volunteers. Its mission is to partner with groups to organize activities that foster the wellbeing and integration into the community of seniors, people facing mental health issues, and people with physical and intellectual disabilities through activities based around a garden.
Activities could include vocational training, nutrition, rehab, music, art, and horticultural therapy, but usually include the laughter of children and always a good measure of fun.
We are currently reaching out to communities in Pictou, Colchester and Cumberland Counties.
The setting chosen for the initial project in the Butterflies and Blooms program is the five-acre, professionally landscaped Remembrance Garden in River John, Pictou County, behind the Legion on the River John Station Road.
This garden project also has use of an adjacent wheelchair-accessible, multi-purpose building with meeting areas, kitchen, theatre stage, washrooms, etc. Ideas for activities are limitless. The actual scope will depend on the breadth of imagination and willingness of community members to get involved and come out and have some fun and try something new.
Thus far, some of the activities being discussed include:* Herb garden * Plant nursery * Vegetable garden* Market kiosk * Community garden plots * Bakery/food services * Art * Music* Theatre* Woodworking * Pond restoration * Therapeutic riding * Residential component.
For info on a project that has provided us with lots of inspiration please check out Providence Farm in Duncan BC.
And secondly, what is Horticultural Therapy?
Health-care professionals have come to realize that horticulture is not just a rewarding pastime. Working with soil, seeds and plants can also be an enriching and curative experience.
The powers of nature, as seen in the growth of a plant, can be a great teacher. The life cycle of plants provides us with an example of hope for life renewed and a marvelous opportunity to begin again.
In its simplest form, horticultural therapy is a therapeutic process that uses plants and other horticultural activities to improve an individual's quality of life. Horticulture provides excellent stimuli for the senses: sight, taste, touch and smell. Using living material that requires nurturing and care, patients take part in activities that stimulate thought, exercise the body and encourage awareness of the external environment.
What can horticulture therapy do for our communities, who could benefit and how?
Come on July 3 and find out!
For further information, contact Joan MacKeigan, RR#3, River John, NS B0K 1N0; (902) 351-2697; Email: macmarwa@gmail.com
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WOW !!!!
The Turn out at the movie was impressive. It made me proud to see how many of you came out in support of this event. Even if it didn't go as planned, I hope to see you all again the next time. With as that many people coming out maybe we could spread the word a little more and get an even bigger turn out.
PS. A special thanks goes out to Darrell and all of his family for coming from Truro to support us.
Thank you all,
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PS. A special thanks goes out to Darrell and all of his family for coming from Truro to support us.
Thank you all,
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Monday, June 23, 2008
Summer Musical Showcase
Let Abilities Work members from last summer will recall the Summer Musical Showcase of free outdoor concerts in Pictou at the Hector Quay Visitor's Marina Stage on Sundays and Mondays at 6:00 pm.
Plans are that these free concernts will run again this summer through July and August, weather permitting. To that purpose, the Pictou Recreation Commission has just released the scheduled lineup of talent for this year's concerts.
Please review this list and advise Matthew in our office at 754-6740 which of the shows you think our group should plan to take in.
July Schedule
- Canada Day - Tuesday July 1- Alycia Putnam & Family
- Sunday July 6 - No entertainment - Lobster Carnival
- Monday July 7 - Jason Brushett
- Sunday July 13 - Jakki Rogue
- Monday July 14 - Linda deCoste
- Tuesday, July 15 - Old Fashion Hymn Sing sponsored by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, raindate July 22
- Sunday July 20 - Gordon Tucker
- Monday July 21 - Ian Grant
- Sunday July 27 - Albert Dunnewold
- Monday July 28 - Rick Rankin & Glen Gordon
August Schedule
- Sunday August 3 - Beyond Ash
- Monday August 4 - Laura Watson & Gordon Tucker
- Sunday August 10 - Small Packages
- Monday August 11 - TBA
- Sunday August 17 - Albert Dunnewold
- Monday August 18 - Jakki Rogue
- Sunday August 24 - Jason Brushett
- Monday August 25 - TBA
- Sunday August 31 - TBA
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The Anticipation Grows!!!!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
7 Days Until the Movie
Monday, June 16, 2008
RSVP
Hello to you all,
The movie date is fast approaching and i have no idea of how many are going to this event. If you could please send an e-mail to lawps2@gmail.com or call my Cell @ 754-6740 just so i can get an idea of how many people to expect. We really want to make a good impression with the theatre so they will be willing to support a group activity again.
Thank-you
Later
Matt
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The movie date is fast approaching and i have no idea of how many are going to this event. If you could please send an e-mail to lawps2@gmail.com or call my Cell @ 754-6740 just so i can get an idea of how many people to expect. We really want to make a good impression with the theatre so they will be willing to support a group activity again.
Thank-you
Later
Matt
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Friday, June 13, 2008
Movie Trailer
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Matt Cameron joins the team...
New Glasgow - The Let Abilities Work Partnership Society is pleased to announce that Matthew Cameron has joined its staff for the summer months. A student of marketing at the Nova Scotia Commuity College, Cameron started working as a social developer with the Society on May 26th.
Cameron will be working 35 hours a week from 9am to 4pm out of the Society's office located in Suite 101 in the basement of the Aberdeen Professional Centre. This position has been sponsored by a Service Canada student summer work grant.
"Mr. Cameron has been quick off the mark" said Executive Director Ralph Ferguson adding, "He has already helped organize two bowling afternoons, brought our computer programs up to date, arranged for an upcoming movie matinee at Empire Theatres and started taking a sign language course with Darrell Feit so he can communicate with our members who are Deaf."
"With Matt Cameron on board, 2008 promises to be a great summer!"
Cameron will be working 35 hours a week from 9am to 4pm out of the Society's office located in Suite 101 in the basement of the Aberdeen Professional Centre. This position has been sponsored by a Service Canada student summer work grant.
"Mr. Cameron has been quick off the mark" said Executive Director Ralph Ferguson adding, "He has already helped organize two bowling afternoons, brought our computer programs up to date, arranged for an upcoming movie matinee at Empire Theatres and started taking a sign language course with Darrell Feit so he can communicate with our members who are Deaf."
"With Matt Cameron on board, 2008 promises to be a great summer!"
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Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Movie Matinee
Hello to all,
I have been working closely with Empire Theatres to find a version of The Incredible Hulk with a captioning so that everyone could enjoy it. Please come join us we would be delighted to see you. So I will continue to update the countdown to the 24th
Later on
Matt
I have been working closely with Empire Theatres to find a version of The Incredible Hulk with a captioning so that everyone could enjoy it. Please come join us we would be delighted to see you. So I will continue to update the countdown to the 24th
Later on
Matt
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Tuesday, June 3, 2008
PAANS - Provincial Access Awareness Nova Scotia
New Glasgow - Let Abilities Work Partnership, with assistance from Lea Nickolas of S.M.A.C. (Start Making Abilities Count) taped a session for EastLink Cable Television's community program, "In Conversation".
We hope in this way to promote the disability awareness week, June 1st to 7th and awareness by spreading our disability awareness messages.
The piece was taped with EastLink in New Glasgow on June 2nd and will air June 09th (6:30 pm), 10th (6 pm) and 12th (7:30 pm). Be sure to watch it if you can. A copy of the tape was requested which the station will provide to us after the airing.
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We hope in this way to promote the disability awareness week, June 1st to 7th and awareness by spreading our disability awareness messages.
The piece was taped with EastLink in New Glasgow on June 2nd and will air June 09th (6:30 pm), 10th (6 pm) and 12th (7:30 pm). Be sure to watch it if you can. A copy of the tape was requested which the station will provide to us after the airing.
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