Blogger: My, what you find on the internet about the word or name Digby!
Man was tortured, strangled: witness
BY EMMA SPILLETT
28 May, 2011 01:00 PM
AN ANGLE grinder was allegedly used to torture former Cronulla man Matthew Digby before he was kicked in the head and strangled to death with a dog leash, Wollongong Local Court was told last week.
A male witness, known only as P550, told the court accused murderer Richard James Walsh had confessed to killing Mr Digby, 35, and then burning his body in a car in January last year.
Members of Mr Digby's family wept in court as they heard P550 recount how Walsh admitted to sinking an angle grinder into Mr Digby's leg when he refused to divulge information about a robbery at co-accused Lauren Mae Batcheldor's house in early 2010.
Walsh allegedly told P550 the pair took Mr Digby to an oval earlier to question him.
He said Walsh told him that when Mr Digby tried to run away, he punched him, dragged him to a car and chained his hands with a dog leash. Walsh then allegedly drove Mr Digby to a house and parked in the garage, where he punched and slapped him until he was unconscious, the court heard.
According to P550, Mr Digby later made a threat to Walsh about what he would do when released and Walsh had responded: "Now you've said that I can't let you go."
He then went to get Mr Digby a "last drink".
P550 said when Walsh returned, he noticed Mr Digby had freed an arm from the leash. It is alleged Walsh became angry, opening the back of the car to kick Mr Digby repeatedly in the head, the witness said.
P550 said Walsh told him he wrapped a dog leash around Mr Digby's neck and pulled until his body stopped moving. He allegedly said he later moved Mr Digby's body into the front passenger seat and placed a tyre on his stomach, before putting a tarp over him.
Walsh allegedly told P550 he had driven to a dirt road in the bush the following day, where he planned to leave Mr Digby's body.
According to P550, Walsh said he noticed blood had seeped on to the car's floor, so he doused the car and the body with fuel and set it alight, then called Batcheldor, who picked him up a short time later.
In another alleged conversation with P550, Walsh admitted there was blood on the garage floor and he had used bleach to clean it.
P550 said Walsh also told him he and Batcheldor went to a pawn shop to look for her stolen jewellery. She found a chain, which she believed Mr Digby had pawned, the court heard.
P550 was the final witness in a three-day committal hearing involving Walsh and Batcheldor, who are charged with murdering and kidnapping Mr Digby last year.
After hearing the evidence, Magistrate Ian Guy decided there was a case against the pair and committed them to stand trial later in the year.
Walsh and Batcheldor are expected to appear in the Supreme Court in Sydney for arraignment on August 5.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Hurry to add your input:Organic Salmon Farming
PETITIONING
Canadian General Standards Board(Mark Schuessler)
STARTED BY
Bronwen Barnett
Vancouver, Canada
OVERVIEW
Make sure your voice is heard on the proposed “organic” standard!
We expect the organic label to mean the food we're buying is produced in a way that is better for the environment and our health. But right now, the Canadian General Standards Board has proposed 'organic' aquaculture standards that would certify aquaculture practices that are already harming our oceans.
Draft two of the standard is now being considered for Canadian regulation and is open to a FINAL public comment period. This is your last chance to have your say count.
The proposed organic standards for farmed fish will allow the use of synthetic parasiticides, up to 100% non-organic and potentially unsustainable wild fish feed and net-cages which scientific evidence has linked to negatively harming wild salmon and marine ecosystems.
Organic aquaculture standards should adhere to the same set of principles used in standards for other organically certified food products. Unfortunately this is not the case with the proposed organic aquaculture standard.
The public comment period is open until May 31, 2011 and we are urging residents of Canada and consumers in the United States to take action and oppose the organic certification of net-cage salmon farms. The US remains the largest market for Canadian farmed salmon and until US organic aquaculture standards are passed into regulation, Canadian “organic” salmon could be sold on American shelves and menus.
Note: We will add this formal comment submission as an addendum to this petition.
Posted by the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform
Read Petition Letter
PETITION LETTER
Organic aquaculture standards need to be consistent with existing organic standards
Greetings,
Re: The proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard
Components of the proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard violate the very principles of organic production.
The standards allow for the use of parasiticides which is inconsistent with current organic standards and what consumers have come to expect when choosing organic. The standards also allow more wild fish to be used in feed than farmed fish produced, allowing a net-loss of marine protein that depletes natural systems. Organic principles within the aquaculture standard state biological productivity must be maximized.
The standards do not include strong measures to prevent well-documented impacts of net-cages on the health of wild salmon and marine ecosystems:
• Escapes of farmed fish
• Uncontrolled disposal of fish feces into the ocean
• Release of synthetic parasticides directly into the ocean
• Entanglement deaths of marine mammals, and
• The spread of disease and parasites
In the very least, a Canadian organic aquaculture standard needs to reflect practices that address the well-researched impacts of aquaculture. Such a standard would support producers that are using innovative practices to deliver truly sustainable products.
I urge the Canadian General Standards Board to ensure that the “Canadian Organic Aquaculture” standard does not accommodate either the use of non-organic, wild fish as feed or open net-cage systems. It is our hope that the organic label will continue to provide consumers with a clear and consistent understanding of how their food is produced and ensure them that their choice of an organic food product supports a safer, more humane, more sustainable environment.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
[Your name]
Blogger: You can post your letter online and it will be added to the petition or contact Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform
The info sent out above was sent out by David Suzuki and you can also go to his site. You can also go to: www.change.org
Canadian General Standards Board(Mark Schuessler)
STARTED BY
Bronwen Barnett
Vancouver, Canada
OVERVIEW
Make sure your voice is heard on the proposed “organic” standard!
We expect the organic label to mean the food we're buying is produced in a way that is better for the environment and our health. But right now, the Canadian General Standards Board has proposed 'organic' aquaculture standards that would certify aquaculture practices that are already harming our oceans.
Draft two of the standard is now being considered for Canadian regulation and is open to a FINAL public comment period. This is your last chance to have your say count.
The proposed organic standards for farmed fish will allow the use of synthetic parasiticides, up to 100% non-organic and potentially unsustainable wild fish feed and net-cages which scientific evidence has linked to negatively harming wild salmon and marine ecosystems.
Organic aquaculture standards should adhere to the same set of principles used in standards for other organically certified food products. Unfortunately this is not the case with the proposed organic aquaculture standard.
The public comment period is open until May 31, 2011 and we are urging residents of Canada and consumers in the United States to take action and oppose the organic certification of net-cage salmon farms. The US remains the largest market for Canadian farmed salmon and until US organic aquaculture standards are passed into regulation, Canadian “organic” salmon could be sold on American shelves and menus.
Note: We will add this formal comment submission as an addendum to this petition.
Posted by the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform
Read Petition Letter
PETITION LETTER
Organic aquaculture standards need to be consistent with existing organic standards
Greetings,
Re: The proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard
Components of the proposed Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard violate the very principles of organic production.
The standards allow for the use of parasiticides which is inconsistent with current organic standards and what consumers have come to expect when choosing organic. The standards also allow more wild fish to be used in feed than farmed fish produced, allowing a net-loss of marine protein that depletes natural systems. Organic principles within the aquaculture standard state biological productivity must be maximized.
The standards do not include strong measures to prevent well-documented impacts of net-cages on the health of wild salmon and marine ecosystems:
• Escapes of farmed fish
• Uncontrolled disposal of fish feces into the ocean
• Release of synthetic parasticides directly into the ocean
• Entanglement deaths of marine mammals, and
• The spread of disease and parasites
In the very least, a Canadian organic aquaculture standard needs to reflect practices that address the well-researched impacts of aquaculture. Such a standard would support producers that are using innovative practices to deliver truly sustainable products.
I urge the Canadian General Standards Board to ensure that the “Canadian Organic Aquaculture” standard does not accommodate either the use of non-organic, wild fish as feed or open net-cage systems. It is our hope that the organic label will continue to provide consumers with a clear and consistent understanding of how their food is produced and ensure them that their choice of an organic food product supports a safer, more humane, more sustainable environment.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
[Your name]
Blogger: You can post your letter online and it will be added to the petition or contact Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform
The info sent out above was sent out by David Suzuki and you can also go to his site. You can also go to: www.change.org
Monday, May 16, 2011
ADEDA News
Local Focus
Our first stop this week is right here in the hallowed, if albeit abbreviated, halls of ADEDA HQ.
There’s a new seasonal member of our team and I’d like to take the chance to welcome him. He’s a talented, inquisitive and energetic summer student, and he’s going to be working especially with businesses to raise the profile of the “buy local” movement, as it applies to the broader goods and services sector of our region. Welcome to Annapolis Digby Brandon Greer!
Brandon’s role in the “buy local” development area appears to be increasingly timely and significant. Just ask Tim Halliday, who operates Driftwood Greenhouse in Gulliver’s Cove. His Digby Neck greenhouse is expanding its facilities and capacity for producing English cucumbers to meet the growing “buy local” demand. “This is the first major expansion for our business since 2004 and the new facility will allow us to double our production,” he says.
And if you’re thinking that developing a personal “buy local” strategy might be too onerous, or that your participation just won’t make a difference, well, think again. The inventive members of the Paradise Women’s Institute’s reported that their April Meeting was all about buying local, a thoughtful session getting caught up on where our food comes from, what the real ‘cost’ of food is and sharing what they were all doing to sustain local industry. They came up with a novel concept that we can all consider to begin our journey down the path to better upporting our community producers.
Come to think of it, maybe you should start right in this weekend with your newly energized “buy local” resolve by remembering to visit the area’s farm markets. This is the time of year when they are relocating and reopening all across Annapolis Digby. For example, the Bridgetown market begins on Tuesday, May 17th from 2-6pm beside Endless Shores Books. The fabled Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market returns to its seasonal location at the Town Centre on St George Street this Saturday from its winter home at the Historic Gardens (yes, Virginia, it’s open year round as Annapolis Royal Mayor Phil Roberts so promptly and properly reminded me after a posting of a couple of weeks ago), and on Sunday the Bear River Farmers’ and Artists Market re-opens on the waterfront from 1-4 PM. They’re all around us – check your local community web sites for more information.
And, by the way, continuing on the theme of local eco-innovation, congratulations to the team from Digby Regional High School for their stellar Silver performance at the recent provincial Envirothon competition.
Tidal Teamwork Touted
One of the great memories from youthful Sunday evenings spent staring at the black and white flickering of the “Ed Sullivan Show” was the occasional appearance of one James Francis “Jimmy” Durante. I just loved the guy. And while many are familiar with his signature sign off of “Good Night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are”; I chortled more at his frequent observation that “Everybody wants ta get inta the act.” OK, maybe I wasn’t a normal kid. Nonetheless, and in a very positive way, I was reminded of that line as things continued to get more and more active in the area of tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy. At a recent session in Digby hosted by ADEDA, developers of a tidal power project in Maine were urging consideration of a regional approach with those developers creating similar small scale projects in this area. It’s a good point and there definitely was continued activity to report on that topic as ongoing small scale tidal energy testing plans were being made for the areas of Long and Brier Islands on Digby Neck.
Celebratory Summer Planned
I’m as guilty as anyone about sometimes taking for granted the historic sites that dot Annapolis Digby, figuring I’ve already seen what’s to be seen. That of course would be a mistake any time, because there’s always something new on display. And it’s especially true this year. In 2011, Parks Canada is celebrating its 100th birthday as the world’s first national parks service and yesterday, May 15, Parks Canada’s Fort Anne and Port-Royal National historic sites opened for a particularly exciting season with new exhibits, cultural programming, and with a long list of celebratory birthday events being planned.
Communicating Change
Most writers, me included, take a deliberately solitary approach to our craft, not wanting to share our editorial space. But in this case there’s an exceptional inclusion that’s important for all of us. We’re making changes to our communications strategies here at ADEDA, and our interim Managing Director Dan Harvey wanted to use the newsletter, among other venues, to directly outline what’s happening in this area. Here’s Dan’s message:
“As any not-for-profit group can attest, making the call on judicious use of limited financial resources can be an enormous challenge.
It’s no different here at ADEDA- in the course of preparing our work plan for this year, we carefully scrutinized how we are applying the funding we are given: what items are essential, what are discretionary, costs and benefits, and so on. All of these questions were asked objectively, in the light of the deliverables in our current Business Plan.
Our data on your usage of our weekly newsletter indicates your needs and expectations with respect this communication vehicle are less. One of the things Peter and I concluded when we analyzed the data that there were a lot more Daily Newsletters, Blogs, and Social Media sites, in addition to our strong weekly media coverage, than when the newsletter started 3 years ago.
Feedback from the public has been that they want and need to hear from their Regional Development Authority regularly, but that face-to-face contact is preferred. We agree with that whole-heartedly- you can’t beat the personal touch! To that end, we’ve built into our plan a series of formal connections with town/municipal councils, boards of trade and other business organizations, as well as economic sector groups throughout the year. We see that as the best way to update you on progress, and receive public feedback.
Having said that, we recognize not everyone will be able to access these meetings. So two things will take place: 1. Our Website will be undergoing a re-vamp: we will present more information, in line with our Business Plan themes. 2. The newsletter will remain, but in a monthly format.
The content will remain Local: successful and inspiring people and businesses from our community; major announcements and trends in economic development; profiles of leaders in our region; promotion of important upcoming events taking place in our region; information on new programs that business owners can access by working with our agency or government; profiles on ADEDA board members, and much more
In short, we want the Monthly newsletter to be interesting, informative, and useful to you. We want to share the good news that takes place, and for our readers to feel up-to-date on what your economic development agency is doing on your behalf.
Our weekly newsletters will continue until May 30th, with the next one after that being June 27th, the start of the monthly schedule.
Kind Regards,
Dan Harvey
(902) 638-4009
dharvey@annapolisdigby.com
Till next week;
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
Our first stop this week is right here in the hallowed, if albeit abbreviated, halls of ADEDA HQ.
There’s a new seasonal member of our team and I’d like to take the chance to welcome him. He’s a talented, inquisitive and energetic summer student, and he’s going to be working especially with businesses to raise the profile of the “buy local” movement, as it applies to the broader goods and services sector of our region. Welcome to Annapolis Digby Brandon Greer!
Brandon’s role in the “buy local” development area appears to be increasingly timely and significant. Just ask Tim Halliday, who operates Driftwood Greenhouse in Gulliver’s Cove. His Digby Neck greenhouse is expanding its facilities and capacity for producing English cucumbers to meet the growing “buy local” demand. “This is the first major expansion for our business since 2004 and the new facility will allow us to double our production,” he says.
And if you’re thinking that developing a personal “buy local” strategy might be too onerous, or that your participation just won’t make a difference, well, think again. The inventive members of the Paradise Women’s Institute’s reported that their April Meeting was all about buying local, a thoughtful session getting caught up on where our food comes from, what the real ‘cost’ of food is and sharing what they were all doing to sustain local industry. They came up with a novel concept that we can all consider to begin our journey down the path to better upporting our community producers.
Come to think of it, maybe you should start right in this weekend with your newly energized “buy local” resolve by remembering to visit the area’s farm markets. This is the time of year when they are relocating and reopening all across Annapolis Digby. For example, the Bridgetown market begins on Tuesday, May 17th from 2-6pm beside Endless Shores Books. The fabled Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market returns to its seasonal location at the Town Centre on St George Street this Saturday from its winter home at the Historic Gardens (yes, Virginia, it’s open year round as Annapolis Royal Mayor Phil Roberts so promptly and properly reminded me after a posting of a couple of weeks ago), and on Sunday the Bear River Farmers’ and Artists Market re-opens on the waterfront from 1-4 PM. They’re all around us – check your local community web sites for more information.
And, by the way, continuing on the theme of local eco-innovation, congratulations to the team from Digby Regional High School for their stellar Silver performance at the recent provincial Envirothon competition.
Tidal Teamwork Touted
One of the great memories from youthful Sunday evenings spent staring at the black and white flickering of the “Ed Sullivan Show” was the occasional appearance of one James Francis “Jimmy” Durante. I just loved the guy. And while many are familiar with his signature sign off of “Good Night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are”; I chortled more at his frequent observation that “Everybody wants ta get inta the act.” OK, maybe I wasn’t a normal kid. Nonetheless, and in a very positive way, I was reminded of that line as things continued to get more and more active in the area of tidal energy development in the Bay of Fundy. At a recent session in Digby hosted by ADEDA, developers of a tidal power project in Maine were urging consideration of a regional approach with those developers creating similar small scale projects in this area. It’s a good point and there definitely was continued activity to report on that topic as ongoing small scale tidal energy testing plans were being made for the areas of Long and Brier Islands on Digby Neck.
Celebratory Summer Planned
I’m as guilty as anyone about sometimes taking for granted the historic sites that dot Annapolis Digby, figuring I’ve already seen what’s to be seen. That of course would be a mistake any time, because there’s always something new on display. And it’s especially true this year. In 2011, Parks Canada is celebrating its 100th birthday as the world’s first national parks service and yesterday, May 15, Parks Canada’s Fort Anne and Port-Royal National historic sites opened for a particularly exciting season with new exhibits, cultural programming, and with a long list of celebratory birthday events being planned.
Communicating Change
Most writers, me included, take a deliberately solitary approach to our craft, not wanting to share our editorial space. But in this case there’s an exceptional inclusion that’s important for all of us. We’re making changes to our communications strategies here at ADEDA, and our interim Managing Director Dan Harvey wanted to use the newsletter, among other venues, to directly outline what’s happening in this area. Here’s Dan’s message:
“As any not-for-profit group can attest, making the call on judicious use of limited financial resources can be an enormous challenge.
It’s no different here at ADEDA- in the course of preparing our work plan for this year, we carefully scrutinized how we are applying the funding we are given: what items are essential, what are discretionary, costs and benefits, and so on. All of these questions were asked objectively, in the light of the deliverables in our current Business Plan.
Our data on your usage of our weekly newsletter indicates your needs and expectations with respect this communication vehicle are less. One of the things Peter and I concluded when we analyzed the data that there were a lot more Daily Newsletters, Blogs, and Social Media sites, in addition to our strong weekly media coverage, than when the newsletter started 3 years ago.
Feedback from the public has been that they want and need to hear from their Regional Development Authority regularly, but that face-to-face contact is preferred. We agree with that whole-heartedly- you can’t beat the personal touch! To that end, we’ve built into our plan a series of formal connections with town/municipal councils, boards of trade and other business organizations, as well as economic sector groups throughout the year. We see that as the best way to update you on progress, and receive public feedback.
Having said that, we recognize not everyone will be able to access these meetings. So two things will take place: 1. Our Website will be undergoing a re-vamp: we will present more information, in line with our Business Plan themes. 2. The newsletter will remain, but in a monthly format.
The content will remain Local: successful and inspiring people and businesses from our community; major announcements and trends in economic development; profiles of leaders in our region; promotion of important upcoming events taking place in our region; information on new programs that business owners can access by working with our agency or government; profiles on ADEDA board members, and much more
In short, we want the Monthly newsletter to be interesting, informative, and useful to you. We want to share the good news that takes place, and for our readers to feel up-to-date on what your economic development agency is doing on your behalf.
Our weekly newsletters will continue until May 30th, with the next one after that being June 27th, the start of the monthly schedule.
Kind Regards,
Dan Harvey
(902) 638-4009
dharvey@annapolisdigby.com
Till next week;
Peter
Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0
Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: communications@annapolisdigby.com
Labels:
ADEDA news
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Digby Neck Events
Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper
Thursday May 12, 2011
6 p.m.
Rossway United Baptist Church
Thursday May 12, 2011
6 p.m.
Rossway United Baptist Church
Labels:
Digby Neck Events
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Hummingbird Alert
Dan Mills says he had a hummer at his house today signalling the advent of Mother's Day!
Kudos to you and all mothers and all those who love mothers! Blogger
Kudos to you and all mothers and all those who love mothers! Blogger
Thursday, May 5, 2011
ADEDA News
Outward Looking
Most often in these weekly newsletters the focus is on what’s happening in and around our area. That’s not because we’re by nature introspective – it’s just that we’ve got lots going on here. But we’re also proud of what we can share with the wider world and the close relationships we have with the global community. One way this gets done is through trade shows and international expositions. It’s a valuable marketing strategy, and one in which ADEDA has specifically participated as appropriate. They build understanding, foster relationships – and most important – they bring in business.
And speaking of international relationships and ties shared by many of our local communities, Annapolis Royal just completed a special gift in honour of the 300th anniversary of its sister city – Annapolis, Maryland. A heritage tapestry, stitched by Moira MacDonald of Lawrencetown, will now hang in the Maryland State legislature.
Energetic Ideas
Our area is seeking to secure an intra-provincial tie as well these days. Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland is hoping the provincial government will actively support the Digby area’s new initiative to attract tidal energy companies to utilize its strategically located port facilities. The Town and Municipality are “spending our own money to show we are the port of choice when industry looks for a repair and maintenance base”, the Mayor said, adding, “We’re waiting for the province to take a stand because this will ramp up quickly”.
While tidal forces and wind power remain the cutting edge renewable energy initiatives here in Annapolis Digby these days, there’s another biofuel option being pondered these days that also holds potential for this region. It’s algae. Yes, what many of us dismiss as pond scum, is as common around these parts as, well, seaweed. And according to a keynote speaker at the recent Renewable Energy Conference it can be an ideal renewable energy resource since it consumes CO2 and can be grown in freshwater or salt water.
Publishing in Paradise
Books are big here. We have a long literary legacy of internationally renowned authors, and we have been delighted to regularly report the continuing accomplishments of our local writers, illustrators and publishers. So the fact that the community of Paradise will host a repeat of last year’s popular “Word in the Hall” event should come as no surprise. The daylong event for publishers, writers, printers, booksellers and readers will offer displays, question and answer sessions, book signings and networking opportunities for the bookish bunch – in whose company, I hasten to add, I proudly include myself.
Plotting the Tourist Map
Tourism is a key component of the ADEDA strategic plan. And, what with our recent national and international award winning public gardens, country inns, eco-adventure opportunities, and historic sites positioning Annapolis Digby as a signature travel destination, thoughtful planning is more than smart – it’s vital. So it’s definitely important news when we learn that the Strategic Tourism plan for Southwest Nova Scotia is set to be released to industry stakeholders at the upcoming Tourism Summit scheduled for May 17 at the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa. The Plan was commissioned by Destination Southwest Nova Scotia (DSWNS) and will be part of its annual general meeting.
Sweet Tweets
If by now, like me you've determined that social networks and online communities are an important – and inevitable - component in your overall marketing strategy, then consider taking in the Social Media marketing workshop at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre (ABCC) this week. Don’t know if there’s any space left but if you’re interested you’d be wise to check. Social media takes creativity, planning and consistent monitoring. Your online presence and social media are quickly becoming your most valuable marketing tools - but only if they’re done right.adeda
Just wondering, but maybe - just maybe – my invitation to the royal wedding was “tweeted” to me, and that’s how I missed it. There’s got to be a reason. I do have a morning suit after all, and the salad bowl gift set was all wrapped.
Oh well, I’ve always liked Harry better anyway.
Most often in these weekly newsletters the focus is on what’s happening in and around our area. That’s not because we’re by nature introspective – it’s just that we’ve got lots going on here. But we’re also proud of what we can share with the wider world and the close relationships we have with the global community. One way this gets done is through trade shows and international expositions. It’s a valuable marketing strategy, and one in which ADEDA has specifically participated as appropriate. They build understanding, foster relationships – and most important – they bring in business.
And speaking of international relationships and ties shared by many of our local communities, Annapolis Royal just completed a special gift in honour of the 300th anniversary of its sister city – Annapolis, Maryland. A heritage tapestry, stitched by Moira MacDonald of Lawrencetown, will now hang in the Maryland State legislature.
Energetic Ideas
Our area is seeking to secure an intra-provincial tie as well these days. Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland is hoping the provincial government will actively support the Digby area’s new initiative to attract tidal energy companies to utilize its strategically located port facilities. The Town and Municipality are “spending our own money to show we are the port of choice when industry looks for a repair and maintenance base”, the Mayor said, adding, “We’re waiting for the province to take a stand because this will ramp up quickly”.
While tidal forces and wind power remain the cutting edge renewable energy initiatives here in Annapolis Digby these days, there’s another biofuel option being pondered these days that also holds potential for this region. It’s algae. Yes, what many of us dismiss as pond scum, is as common around these parts as, well, seaweed. And according to a keynote speaker at the recent Renewable Energy Conference it can be an ideal renewable energy resource since it consumes CO2 and can be grown in freshwater or salt water.
Publishing in Paradise
Books are big here. We have a long literary legacy of internationally renowned authors, and we have been delighted to regularly report the continuing accomplishments of our local writers, illustrators and publishers. So the fact that the community of Paradise will host a repeat of last year’s popular “Word in the Hall” event should come as no surprise. The daylong event for publishers, writers, printers, booksellers and readers will offer displays, question and answer sessions, book signings and networking opportunities for the bookish bunch – in whose company, I hasten to add, I proudly include myself.
Plotting the Tourist Map
Tourism is a key component of the ADEDA strategic plan. And, what with our recent national and international award winning public gardens, country inns, eco-adventure opportunities, and historic sites positioning Annapolis Digby as a signature travel destination, thoughtful planning is more than smart – it’s vital. So it’s definitely important news when we learn that the Strategic Tourism plan for Southwest Nova Scotia is set to be released to industry stakeholders at the upcoming Tourism Summit scheduled for May 17 at the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa. The Plan was commissioned by Destination Southwest Nova Scotia (DSWNS) and will be part of its annual general meeting.
Sweet Tweets
If by now, like me you've determined that social networks and online communities are an important – and inevitable - component in your overall marketing strategy, then consider taking in the Social Media marketing workshop at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre (ABCC) this week. Don’t know if there’s any space left but if you’re interested you’d be wise to check. Social media takes creativity, planning and consistent monitoring. Your online presence and social media are quickly becoming your most valuable marketing tools - but only if they’re done right.adeda
Just wondering, but maybe - just maybe – my invitation to the royal wedding was “tweeted” to me, and that’s how I missed it. There’s got to be a reason. I do have a morning suit after all, and the salad bowl gift set was all wrapped.
Oh well, I’ve always liked Harry better anyway.
Labels:
ADEDA news
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Community Events
Digby Neck Community Pot Luck Supper
6 p.m. Thursday May 12, 2011
Rossway United Baptist Church
Please bring your favourite dish to share and enjoy a delicious meal and conversation in warm fellowship with friends. If you don't have time to prepare something come anyway. There is always plenty of good food. Invite your neighbours.
Everyone is welcome.
Please put it on your calendar!
6 p.m. Thursday May 12, 2011
Rossway United Baptist Church
Please bring your favourite dish to share and enjoy a delicious meal and conversation in warm fellowship with friends. If you don't have time to prepare something come anyway. There is always plenty of good food. Invite your neighbours.
Everyone is welcome.
Please put it on your calendar!
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