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Articles by Heather Killen
Sunflower maze; growing old fashioned memories that follow the sun | Cape Breton Post
If you aren’t lost in the grand view at the top of the hill, you may catch a glimpse of someone’s wishes still fluttering among the leaves in the field of sunflowers. Ken and Jennifer Wilson of Dakeyne Farm, are growing old fashioned memories. From mid-August through September, people are invited to visit this historic farm, find themselves in a maze of sunflowers and simply get lost in nature. “We’re open every day it’s not raining,” said Jennifer Wilson.
Sunflower maze; growing old fashioned memories that follow the sun | The Telegram
If you aren’t lost in the grand view at the top of the hill, you may catch a glimpse of someone’s wishes still fluttering among the leaves in the field of sunflowers. Ken and Jennifer Wilson of Dakeyne Farm, are growing old fashioned memories. From mid-August through September, people are invited to visit this historic farm, find themselves in a maze of sunflowers and simply get lost in nature. “We’re open every day it’s not raining,” said Jennifer Wilson.
Greenwood pub owners scale back, switch to takeout to weather the storm | SaltWire
GREENWOOD, N.S. — The owners of Greenwood’s Oaken Barrel Public House are among the many small businesses forced to make some tough calls as the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jennifer Delorey and Dean Mrkic transformed the former Top Hat Lounge behind the Greenwood Mall into a family-friendly eatery almost five years ago. They’ve worked hard to form strong working relationships with staff and build a loyal customer base.
Annapolis County man may have the antidote to cabin fever | The Chronicle Herald
BRIDGETOWN, N.S. — Steve Skafte has spent a lot of time alone exploring roads less travelled. He has been sharing these adventures on his Facebook page, Abandoned Roads of Nova Scotia. He firmly believes that visiting some of these places could be just what the doctor ordered. Most people are not used to living in isolation, but he says it doesn’t need to be boring. “I spent six years sitting in one room when I had my art gallery,” he said.
Child poverty report co-authors won't settle for status quo | SaltWire
EDITOR'S NOTE: SaltWire Network's Annapolis Valley journalists are looking into the complex issue of poverty from many angles this week. This article is part of our Living Below the Line in the Annapolis Valley series. WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Laura Fisher says she is one of the lucky ones. After listening to her story, the average person could disagree. When her marriage abruptly ended, she became a single mother who was introduced to the eye-opening world of life on social assistance.
Annapolis County man may have the antidote to cabin fever | SaltWire
BRIDGETOWN, N.S. — Steve Skafte has spent a lot of time alone exploring roads less travelled. He has been sharing these adventures on his Facebook page, Abandoned Roads of Nova Scotia. He firmly believes that visiting some of these places could be just what the doctor ordered. Most people are not used to living in isolation, but he says it doesn’t need to be boring. “I spent six years sitting in one room when I had my art gallery,” he said.
Caremongering group spreading goodwill in Windsor, West Hants during COVID-19 response | SaltWire
WINDSOR, N.S. — In Windsor, neighbourly goodwill is spreading faster than any virus. Leslie Porter created the Facebook group Caremongering Windsor-West Hants a Community Response to COVID-19 in the early hours of March 17 and, in less than a day, the membership grew to about 300 people. “It’s crazy, I don’t even know what the membership is now, I’ve just been adding people all evening,” she said.
Child poverty report co-authors won't settle for status quo | SaltWire
EDITOR'S NOTE: SaltWire Network's Annapolis Valley journalists are looking into the complex issue of poverty from many angles this week. This article is part of our Living Below the Line in the Annapolis Valley series. WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Laura Fisher says she is one of the lucky ones. After listening to her story, the average person could disagree. When her marriage abruptly ended, she became a single mother who was introduced to the eye-opening world of life on social assistance.
Wilmot man travels throughout the Maritimes finding lost pets | The Chronicle Herald
KINGSTON, N.S. — You never forget the one who got away. Mike Chapman is a certified missing animal response technician, a finder of four-legged friends. In less than a year, he has been called to every Maritime province and has found nearly 150 lost animals: roughly 75 dogs, 70 cats, a ferret and a turtle. When people do as he advises, Chapman says he has a 95 per cent recovery rate.
Former Annapolis Valley woman sharing daughter’s tragic story to raise awareness of the sex trade | SaltWire
WATERVILLE, N.S. — Jennifer Holleman knew her daughter would leave a mark on the world, but she never imagined it would be this. “It’s a horrible story and I never thought it would wind up being her legacy, but I know how many young women have been helped because of her story,” Holleman said. Holleman grew up in Kings County and now resides near Yarmouth. She has spent more than four years speaking out against human trafficking.
Former Annapolis Valley woman sharing daughter’s tragic story to raise awareness of the sex trade | SaltWire
WATERVILLE, N.S. — Jennifer Holleman knew her daughter would leave a mark on the world, but she never imagined it would be this. “It’s a horrible story and I never thought it would wind up being her legacy, but I know how many young women have been helped because of her story,” Holleman said. Holleman grew up in Kings County and now resides near Yarmouth. She has spent more than four years speaking out against human trafficking.
Berwick to host practice sessions for international women’s hockey team from Russia | SaltWire
BERWICK, N.S. — Top women’s hockey stars from Russia will soon be lacing up their skates in Berwick. Halifax and Truro will be hosting the 2020 Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship March 31 to April 10. Seven communities in Nova Scotia have been chosen to host pre-exhibition games in the days leading up to the main event.
Kentville clothing store pulls some popular brands amid disturbing allegations against fashion mogul Peter Nygard | SaltWire
KENTVILLE, N.S. — A clothing store in Kentville is pulling some of its most popular lines to make a point. Phinneys owners Andrew and Miriam Zebian have decided to stop selling brands owned by Canadian fashion icon Peter Nygard after a class-action lawsuit was filed Feb. 13 on behalf of 10 women alleging that Nygard sexually assaulted them. The Zebians announced the decision to stop carrying products associated with Nygard on the store’s Facebook page Feb. 17.
Kentville clothing store pulls some popular brands amid disturbing allegations against fashion mogul Peter Nygard | SaltWire
KENTVILLE, N.S. — A clothing store in Kentville is pulling some of its most popular lines to make a point. Phinneys owners Andrew and Miriam Zebian have decided to stop selling brands owned by Canadian fashion icon Peter Nygard after a class-action lawsuit was filed Feb. 13 on behalf of 10 women alleging that Nygard sexually assaulted them. The Zebians announced the decision to stop carrying products associated with Nygard on the store’s Facebook page Feb. 17.
Kentville clothing store pulls some popular brands amid disturbing allegations against fashion mogul Peter Nygard | The Chronicle Herald
KENTVILLE, N.S. — A clothing store in Kentville is pulling some of its most popular lines to make a point. Phinneys owners Andrew and Miriam Zebian have decided to stop selling brands owned by Canadian fashion icon Peter Nygard after a class-action lawsuit was filed Feb. 13 on behalf of 10 women alleging that Nygard sexually assaulted them. The Zebians announced the decision to stop carrying products associated with Nygard on the store’s Facebook page Feb. 17.
Kentville woman gives bank manager a kidney | The Chronicle Herald
KENTVILLE, N.S. — Kate Kirkpatrick admits that she has taken volunteering to a new level. She is still recovering from surgery after donating one of her kidneys to someone who helped her years ago. “He helped me after I came here from the (United Kingdom),” she said. “I wasn’t yet a permanent resident and for three years I struggled to find a bank willing to let me open a bank account. He helped me back then, and he helped me again when I was working in non-profits.
Kentville woman returns bank manager's kindness, with a kidney | The Chronicle Herald
KENTVILLE, N.S. — Kate Kirkpatrick admits that she has taken volunteering to a new level. She is still recovering from surgery after donating one of her kidneys to someone who helped her years ago. “He helped me after I came here from the (United Kingdom),” she said. “I wasn’t yet a permanent resident and for three years I struggled to find a bank willing to let me open a bank account. He helped me back then, and he helped me again when I was working in non-profits.
Kentville woman returns bank manager's kindness, with a kidney | SaltWire
KENTVILLE, N.S. — Kate Kirkpatrick admits that she has taken volunteering to a new level. She is still recovering from surgery after donating one of her kidneys to someone who helped her years ago. “He helped me after I came here from the (United Kingdom),” she said. “I wasn’t yet a permanent resident and for three years I struggled to find a bank willing to let me open a bank account. He helped me back then, and he helped me again when I was working in non-profits.
Kentville woman returns bank manager's kindness, with a kidney | SaltWire
KENTVILLE, N.S. — Kate Kirkpatrick admits that she has taken volunteering to a new level. She is still recovering from surgery after donating one of her kidneys to someone who helped her years ago. “He helped me after I came here from the (United Kingdom),” she said. “I wasn’t yet a permanent resident and for three years I struggled to find a bank willing to let me open a bank account. He helped me back then, and he helped me again when I was working in non-profits.
Kentville woman gives former bank manager a kidney | SaltWire
KENTVILLE, N.S. — Kate Kirkpatrick admits that she has taken volunteering to a new level. She is still recovering from surgery after donating one of her kidneys to her former bank manager. “He helped me after I came here from the (United Kingdom),” she said. “I wasn’t yet a permanent resident and for three years I struggled to find a bank willing to let me open a bank account. He helped me back then, and he helped me again when I was working in non-profits.
Annapolis Valley man’s surprise Valentine visit featured in online video | SaltWire
A couple in a long-distance relationship recently had a surprise reunion over heart-shaped pizza. Nicholas Cooke, a kinesiology student at Acadia University, recently surprised girlfriend Sarah Charnock in Toronto thanks to a local restaurant’s Valentine’s Day promotional video. “Sarah noticed a casting call on Facebook, a restaurant was looking for a long-distance couple to appear in a video,” he said.
Wolfville’s Acadia University growing greens year-round inside campus Growcer | SaltWire
WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Acadia University is growing greens in February. Last fall, the university installed a Growcer unit. It is a repurposed shipping container that has been equipped with hydroponic growing equipment. This unit was installed just behind the cafeteria, allowing the staff and students easy access to pick the fresh greens and herbs year-round.
Federal minister announces $1.4 million in funding, including cash for Wolfville legion | The Chronicle Herald
WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Wolfville legion is among 77 seniors’ projects across the province earmarked for funding. Minister of Seniors Deb Schulte joined Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois Feb. 11 at Branch 74 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Wolfville. More than 70 people attended the announcement, along with Kings South MLA Keith Irving and members of town council.
Newly formed New Minas business group seeks new members | SaltWire
NEW MINAS, N.S. — A new business group is promoting New Minas as more than just a shopping destination. Jeff Kelly, chairman of the newly formed New Minas Business Association (NMBA), says his group is all about promoting the village as a great place to live, work, and shop. “I’m really happy to be part of the business community here in New Minas,” he said.
Bruce Auto Group building on ‘base for growth’ in Middleton | SaltWire
MIDDLETON, N.S. — The Bruce Auto Group may be branching out, but the company’s owners remember where they came from. This business has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. It has expanded from one GM dealership to add six more from New Minas to Yarmouth. The group also opened a call centre in New Minas. Recently, Bruce Auto’s leaders opted to purchase a stately brick-and-mortar building on a corner lot in their hometown and move the corporate headquarters to Middleton’s downtown core.
VIDEO: Wilmot’s Curtis Snider, 31, faced his dying days with courage | The Chronicle Herald
WILMOT, N.S. — Curtis Snider was 31 when he died. Young, by any standard. Far too young. Yet his courage and compassion amid a painful battle with cancer forever changed the hearts of those he inspired before his life was cut short. Curtis Snider of Wilmot recently passed away at 31 after battling cancer. - Contributed Rana Hodges says people keep telling her how awful it is, to lose her son at such an age. She counts herself lucky to have had him for as long as she did.
VIDEO: Wilmot’s Curtis Snider, 31, faced his dying days with courage | SaltWire
WILMOT, N.S. — Curtis Snider was 31 when he died. Young, by any standard. Far too young. Yet his courage and compassion amid a painful battle with cancer forever changed the hearts of those he inspired before his life was cut short. Curtis Snider of Wilmot recently passed away at 31 after battling cancer. - Contributed Rana Hodges says people keep telling her how awful it is, to lose her son at such an age. She counts herself lucky to have had him for as long as she did.
New funding will help older adults upgrade computer skills in the Annapolis Valley | SaltWire
BERWICK, N.S. — Unsure how to operate that fancy tablet you got for Christmas? Help is near. Older adults can get help learning how to use computers through the support of a $50,000 grant to @NS. This project, formerly known as Empowering Seniors Through Technology, was formed in 2016 to enhance and empower individuals and communities by helping them to access to technology. Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine, MLA for Kings West, made the latest funding announcement Feb.
Town of Berwick invites proposals for new model for communal living | SaltWire
BERWICK, N.S. — The Town of Berwick is looking at a new model for community development. Deborah Elliott, director of community development and recreation, updated council about progress towards forming a Community Land Trust. A number of residents have already expressed interest in joining this new committee, she told council. A public meeting will be held on Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town of Berwick council chambers to give residents a chance to learn more.
Middleton program inspires provincial rollout of community-based model for seniors’ care | The Chronicle Herald
MIDDLETON, N.S. — A seniors’ day program that started in the Annapolis Valley will be used as a model for seniors’ care in other rural communities across the province. Premier Stephen McNeil and Leo Glavine, MLA for Kings West, announced Jan. 27 that Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is receiving $210,000 from the province to establish a set of best practices that other rural communities can use to develop specialized programming for seniors.
Middleton program inspires provincial rollout of community-based model for seniors’ care | SaltWire
MIDDLETON, N.S. — A seniors’ day program that started in the Annapolis Valley will be used as a model for seniors’ care in other rural communities across the province. Premier Stephen McNeil and Leo Glavine, MLA for Kings West, announced Jan. 27 that Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is receiving $210,000 from the province to establish a set of best practices that other rural communities can use to develop specialized programming for seniors.
VIDEO: Palliative Middleton-area warrior queen inspired workout program for others with chronic illness | SaltWire
MIDDLETON, N.S. — Sandy Mollins-Murray’s gym is a place where everyone feels good in sweatpants. Mollins-Murray, co-owner of Fitness for Life in Middleton, says it’s the place to get in shape in all stages of life. She, along with business partner Kelsey Lynn Nogler, strive to offer a casual atmosphere for people of all fitness levels. Ann Redt turned to Fitness for Life when her life was nearing its end.
Kentville’s Maritime Express Cider on the fast track to success | SaltWire
KENTVILLE, N.S. — Kentville’s Maritime Express Cider is tapping into new ventures. Ever since Jimi Doidge and business partner Scott Hearn opened their doors just over a year ago, the business has been on the fast track to success. Even before its grand opening in November 2018, business was bustling. Last summer, the patio was opened to carry the overflow.
Annapolis Valley frugal moms show how to get more by spending less | SaltWire
NEW MINAS, N.S. — Lisa Rose remembers a time when she counted cans of zoodles in her cupboard and wondered if she’d have enough to feed her children until the cheque comes in. At that time, Rose was a single mom living on social assistance and struggling to make ends meet. The turning point came after she was diagnosed with cancer. She was talking to Natasha Vaughan, her best friend, when she had an idea that not only helped her family, but countless others.
VIDEO: Twins face the fight of a lifetime as North Kentville woman awaits lung transplant | The Chronicle Herald
KENTVILLE, N.S. — They may have been born three minutes apart, but twin sisters Koren Davidson and Karen Spencer are facing their darkest days side by side. For as long as she can remember, Davidson has looked out for her slightly younger sister. “Our mother’s last words to me were ‘take care of Karen,’” said Davidson. “She must have known something we didn’t.” Davidson has never imagined a time when Spencer wasn’t in her life.
Middleton woman gives up Chronicle Herald paper route after 34 years – and zero sick days | The Chronicle Herald
MIDDLETON, N.S. — For more than 30 years, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night kept Marie Cress from the swift completion of her paper route. At 79 years old, she has finally decided to give up her Middleton paper route and officially retire from all her part-time jobs. Until recently, Cress somehow found time to deliver The Chronicle Herald door to door, sell Avon, work a bit for the post office and make chip deliveries to local stores. “It was good exercise,” she said.
Wolfville woman offers new twist on old tradition with pop-up weddings | SaltWire
WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Looking to get hitched without hassle? Sarah Anderson is the woman to call. About a year ago, the Wolfville-based Justice of the Peace started East Coast Pop Up Weddings. The business offers one-stop planning for the new way to elope. This a growing trend for couples who want meaningful wedding ceremonies without the expense and planning of a large, formal wedding. “More couples are looking for weddings that reflect their values and their lifestyles,” she said.
Middleton woman gives up Chronicle Herald paper route after 34 years – and zero sick days | SaltWire
MIDDLETON, N.S. — For more than 30 years, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night kept Marie Cress from the swift completion of her paper route. At 79 years old, she has finally decided to give up her Middleton paper route and officially retire from all her part-time jobs. Until recently, Cress somehow found time to deliver The Chronicle Herald door to door, sell Avon, work a bit for the post office and make chip deliveries to local stores. “It was good exercise,” she said.
Wolfville welcomes 2020 in style | SaltWire
The first day of 2020 may have dawned dreary, but spirits were high at the annual levee hosted Jan 1 at Wolfville’s Acadia University. The first day of 2020 may have dawned dreary, but spirits were high at the annual levee hosted Jan 1 at Wolfville’s Acadia University. The first day of 2020 may have dawned dreary, but spirits were high at the annual levee hosted Jan 1 at Wolfville’s Acadia University.
Ready to ring in 2020? Try some of these tips to make your New Year's Eve party a success | The Chronicle Herald
Time again to ring in a new year, and whether you're keeping it close with a few friends and family, or planning a roaring bash to greet 2020, here are some tips and ideas to celebrate the New Year with a bang. Make your house festive: Choose a theme to help set the mood and pull the evening together. Themes can offer hints for the types of food to serve, the sort of music to play, and what sort of decorations to use.
South Shore author offers up new book of local spooky tales | The Chronicle Herald
Vernon Oickle’s new book, More Ghost Stories of Nova Scotia, offers up a new collection of stories of things that go bump in the night. Oickle, a well-known journalist and author from Queens County, has written over 30 books during his career. This latest collection of supernatural stories is a follow-up to Ghost Stories of Nova Scotia. Several of these new stories take place on the South Shore, but over the years people from across the province have contacted him to share their spooky encounters.
Classic TV characters invading Kentville | The CoastGuard
KENTVILLE, N.S. — Scooby Doo and Dino may be among the characters dogging this year’s Pumpkin People celebration. This fun display of straw-stuffed people with pumpkin heads is popular with local residents and has the added benefit of drawing visitors to the area each fall. The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Welcome to Toon Town’, so expect to see a collection of classic cartoon characters around Kentville.
Sunflower maze; growing old fashioned memories that follow the sun
If you aren’t lost in the grand view at the top of the hill, you may catch a glimpse of someone’s wishes still fluttering among the leaves in the field of sunflowers. Ken and Jennifer Wilson of Dakeyne Farm, are growing old fashioned memories. From mid-August through September, people are invited to visit this historic farm, find themselves in a maze of sunflowers and simply get lost in nature. “We’re open every day it’s not raining,” said Jennifer Wilson.
Kentville project has people helping people bundle up | SaltWire
KENTVILLE, N.S. — Miriam Brathwaite is taking the lead on a new initiative that will put mittens and gloves into the hands of humans that need them. As part of her new role as the town’s Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival leadership candidate, she is leading a community project that she hopes will offer some comfort to Annapolis Valley residents this winter. “I have been brainstorming to come up with something that will help people,” she said.
Lessons for life: retired teacher still handing out homework in Middleton
June 2019 is over a year away, but Wendy Rodda is preparing the final lesson for her last class. She retired from full time teaching in 2012, but still attends the Middleton Regional High School graduation ceremony each year, usually sitting in the back row with a stack of envelopes. She loudly cheers for each graduate when they cross the stage and cries a little when she hands out the envelopes. These yellow packages are proof that Ms. Rodda keeps her word.
Why your niche business could be a global player
“Everything that can be invented has been invented,” said the Director of the US Patent Office in 1899. It was a breathtakingly naive thing to say even then. But many business owners today still make a similar mistake. They look at the market around them and assume it’s fixed. Having marked out their territory they believe nothing will change. They couldn’t be more wrong. Black Swans lie in wait.
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