Did you ever go for a drive through the countryside and think:
Wow, this sure is beautiful, but soooo isolated. I wonder what people do out here for fun?
It’s something that I used to wonder about when I lived in the city, so I thought you might be interested to know what Larry and I do for fun, when we’re not ripping down plaster or gardening.
I’ve mentioned before in this blog about the wonderful music nights here in the village. Last night a local group called Windsong played.
Greg Peck and Rose Meuse
It is so cool to go to events that showcase local musicians. My enjoyment is enhanced when the performer has a personal connection to the community and is able to make that part of the performance. The First Nations Mi’kmaq community in Bear River lived in this region a few thousand years before France and England colonized this continent. The musical group Windsong weaves Mi’kmaq history and stories into their songs.
The coffee house seats up to 50 people and like every other social activity and event in this community, it’s all run by volunteers.
Nathan Waterman and Krista Peck
Because we know so many of the people who show up, it can feel like we are sitting in the living room of a friend. It’s a great chance to catch up, to say hi, to drink Fair Trade coffee and to eat home-baked goodies…..all for a donation. The entrance fee is less than $10, so it is an affordable evening that nurtures the local community in every way. Not only does my financial contribution pay the musicians who perform, a part also goes towards rent at the Oakdene Centre, the community-run centre where we maintain our art studio.
Take shoes from Frenchy's and add sparkles. Viola!
Last weekend we went to a costume halloween party. Many of the party goers walked there…another advantage of a small town.
Some flew in by broomstick
The week before there was a dance with fiddle music and an auction to raise money to pay for heat at the Oakdene Centre.
Bidding up for a good cause
Lots of people bid on items and I came home with a collection of antique bottles that will feel right at home in our new house. I also am the proud owner of a lovely hand-made doll by local craftswoman Carol Little. The doll depicts Gabriel Dumont, a Metis leader who led the 1885 Battle of Batoche, a defense of local government by Saskatewan Metis against the encroaching British colonialists. Gabriel will come to our new house to remind us of the passion behind a community’s need for self-determination.
A few days before the auction/fundraiser, Bear River film maker Tim Wilson screened his latest NFB film, Griefwalker. Tim had just returned from the Montreal film festival where the film was premiered. Here in Bear River, it was shown at the Bare Canvas, our local art gallery cooperative.
Simone and Tim Wilson prepare for the screening
The room was packed with 100 people and the discussion that followed this film spilled out into the community and entered many talks I had with friends all through the following week.
This Tuesday, an informal group of Bear Riverites will carpool to Annapolis Royal to see the movie Up the Yangtze. This film is part of the King’s Theatre fall program.
In between there are potlucks with fabulous food.
Yum, yum!
There are also a host of other social events that happen here that I haven’t been to like church suppers, and Royal Canadian Legion dances.
What all of these have in common is that people take the initiative to create opportunities to get together, to entertain and feed each other, and to exchange ideas. Mostly if there is an entry fee, it is just enough to cover expenses. It is probably like this everywhere in small town Canada, but even after a year living here, it is still very novel for me.
The many events would not be possible without the level of volunteerism that exists in small towns. People give of themselves every day and apparently it’s always been a norm here.
Building on Stilts getting some TLC
I honestly cannot see at present any evidence of federal or provincial community funding here which is such a shame. Many of the public buildings in town are in bad need of repair or upgrading. There is still no municipal water source in town and we don’t even have our own local government representation. Bear River doesn’t exist as a legal village. Instead, the river that flows through town divides us into 2 counties so there are even separate garbage days and different norms for how to separate the recyling. This artificial construct of 2 counties makes it even harder for Bear RIver to present a united voice that impacts with political entities.
To their credit, both Digby and Annapolis Counties have at times combined efforts for Bear River. As well, there are residents here who fear that village status would create a new level of local government that would raise taxes.
Still, I’ve heard people joke MANY TIMES about the idea of declaring Bear River an independant republic. After all, many feel we are in a forgotten valley, not even in cellphone range. Kind of like a rough-around-the-edges Shangrila.
Behind the Oakdene Centre
I am so glad to be able to attend cultural events here but I don’t think it’s fair that there is no government funding that trickles down to these events or to the fabulous buildings that house them. In the past 10 years Nova Scotia has given up most of its youth to toil in the Albertan oil fields. I have an idea. Maybe the Albertan government could spot us some money to paint the back of the Oakdene Community Centre. I wonder what Gabriel Dumont would have to say about that.
If you feel like sending a donation to the Oakdene, please send your cheque/check to
The Oakdene Centre Fundraising Committee
c/o Robbie Bays
Bear River, Nova Scotia
B0S 1Bo
