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Welcome to the bi-weekly boost, brought to you by [EDIT] and Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.
A twice-monthly digital publication packed with timely news stories, opinion pieces, current affairs, arts curation, community messaging and positive local tales. The same quality journalism and world-class photography that you expect from [EDIT], but all unique to [EDIT]ION.
New Book Celebrates 20 Years of the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens at Acadia University
by Jennifer Wood
Landscape architect Alex Novell and architectural historian John Leroux tell the story of the design, construction, and features of the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia; a gift to the University from Arthur, James and Jack Irving and their families. Now, twenty years after completion, the Centre and Gardens have matured, and are beautifully nurtured by a dedicated team for generations to come. The book that is beautifully written and features stunning photographs, highlights the projects’ beauty, history and innovation in the fields of architecture and botanicals.
Proudly located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People, the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens are located at the epicenter of the University’s campus. The Gardens are spread over six acres and consist of nine Acadian Forest Region habitats as well as a Medicinal and Food Garden, Walled Garden, Herbaceous Border, Experimental Garden, and a public Conservatory.
“Arthur Irving’s idea to bring together environmental study of the region with a central meeting place on campus and gardens of wild flora was unique,” says Alex Novell, the project’s master planner and landscape architect. “After centuries of garden design where the emphasis has been on the plant collector, the breeder and the designer, we are now looking for gardens which celebrate the natural world and contribute to our understanding of ecology and biodiversity. In this, it was ahead of its time. After twenty years of nurture and maturity, it is a privilege to be able to tell the story of how it all came about.”
Fourth year Acadia student and cross-country athlete Sarah Lavallée, from Vancouver, B.C. says: “It certain places become so deeply intertwined with our lives. The K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, and the Woodland Trails are more than research and community resources – they are the fabric that make up Acadia University, the town of Wolfville, and the generations of students, staff, community members, and visitors that frequent them. I hope readers feel the energy, the sense of wonder, and appreciation for the natural world that the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre inspires in all those who enter.”
A Natural Balance is available at bookstores and retailers where books are found throughout Canada, as well as at gooselane.com and the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre at Acadia University.
A rambunctious, dysfunctional, petty and vindictive family, all battling for control. That’s how the Finley-Cullen family from the brand new series Moonshine, can be described. The beautiful backdrop that the show is filmed in, of South Shore Nova Scotia, contrasts the messy dynamic of the clan that’s fighting tooth and nail to take over the ancestral business, The Moonshine resort.
The new heartwarming, comical, and inciting show highlights the reality of coming home to family in the East Coast, which isn't all lobster rolls and beaches. It’s a story of a small-town, crazy tourists, financial struggles, and secrets.
The hugely successful creator, show runner and executive producer Sheri Elwood (Call Me Fitz), and the starring actress Jennifer Finnigan (Salvation), sat down with [EDIT]ION to give us the inside scoop on what to expect on September 14th.
[EDIT]ION: What inspired the story?
Sheri: The story is autobiographical. It's set at a two-star resort on the south shore of Nova Scotia, when my family just happens to run a two-star resort on the south shore of Nova Scotia. Don't tell them I said that though!
[EDIT]ION: Aside from that inspiration, what made the location perfect for filming?
Sheri: I love this question, because theres a lot of shows that have been set in Nova Scotia and are a little stereotypical with fisherman and sea shanties and tales, and that's not the Nova Scotia that I know. The Nova Scotia that I know is draft dodgers and old hippies and everything's a little messy. You don't know where one family starts and another begins. Everyone lives for the summer. The province goes dormant and all of a sudden there's this resurgence of new growth but the same old problems. I wanted to tell that story about a big messy dysfunctional family, and what summer time is like for these people.
[EDIT]ION: What did you love about being there for filming?
Jennifer: I used to come here in the summer when I was a kid but I don't remember much about it except exactly how Sheri described the stereotypes! Fishing and lobstertraps! So getting to really dig and live here has been amazing. I mean we live here now, four months a year. It's such a different part of the world. Theres nowhere else I can compare it to. People are so genuine, so friendly, so welcoming and kind. The landscape is just stunning. I have the same drive to work everyday, but everyday it looks different and every day it takes my breath away. And this is where we get to work. We always talk about how meta this is, because we're basically shooting on the campground that Sheri's family owns and that she grew up in. To see her mom on the golf cart, or her dad, or go hangout at the Shore Club where we just shot all of our scenes, feels like a little family.
[EDIT]ION: Sheri, how is this project different for you then the other shows you've worked on?
Sheri: I always tend to approach any show that I work on - and I've done a military show, a show about the devil, a cars salesman, etc. - but I always try to approach it from a very personal perspective. I think the beauty of this show, and why I'm so excited about it, is that there is a really first-hand experience in it and a connection with the material. I just wanted to write a show that I wanted to watch though, to be honest. One about really cool women that are messy and complicated, and how they deal with their family and their marriages and children. I wanted to write one that wasn't going to be sentimental or making lessons, not always a hug at the end of the day, something real instead.
[EDIT]ION: It is such a real story right now too, because so many people are moving back to Nova Scotia after being away. What do you think audience's are going to take away from the show in that way?
Sheri: I think they're going to want to come and have their summer vacation here. And I think what you said is really smart and incredibly true. The pandemic hit and even getting to a certain age, people really want to go home and have reevaluated their lives and careers and what they want to work on. There is only so much time, so how are we going to spend it and who are we going to spend it with? I think people are going to want to hangout with this family.
Jennifer: I know I do!
[EDIT]ION: Why do you think having a family drama, which aren't on television as much, is important?
Jennifer: I think it's like Sheri said. I mean half of my friends this year in Los Angeles left to go be with their families. You go through that level of trauma and fear that we have all lived, and can to relate to each other on it, because every person on the planet lived this fear and unknown. I don't blame those people that wanted to go home and be with family.
Sheri: Everyone's asking that question: What's important? And in terms of the show, I mean there's enough cop dramas already!
[EDIT]ION: What are you most excited for people to see?
Jennifer: I'm all about the sister relationship.
Sheri: I think defiantly it the sisters. Those three sisters together.
Jennifer: I think women are going to jive with this so much because nobody writes women like she does. She just taps into them, especially women in their 30s and 40s. I don't see a lot about women in their 40s on tv, and I want to know more. I want to know what they're going through. Especially a woman like my character, who's starting all over at 40. And Sheri's not scared to tackle that.
Sheri: Yeah I mean I hope that we beg the question, not in an overt way, of what happens when you have completed your checklist? Your bucket list, the five year and ten year plan. What happens when that doesn't work out? It is possible to start over and get back to what you were supposed to be doing. Even if that journey is going to be long and completely messed up.
Season 1 of Moonshine premieres on Tuesday, September 14 at 9 p.m. on CBC and CBC Gem.
[EDIT] + Tourism NB
RIDES & WELCOMES
Beginning in the welcoming border city of Edmundston and making its way to Grand Falls/Grand Sault, this route features excellent biking and hiking trails, rich Francophone culture and incredible natural attractions like New Brunswick Botanical Garden and Grand Falls Gorge.
TWO-WHEELED ADVENTURES
With excellent trail systems and exciting terrain,
this region is a rider’s dream. Check out Petit-Témis
Linear Park, which borders a river and a lake;
Madawaska Trails, known for its mountainous
terrain; and Mount Farlagne Outdoor Centre,
which offers fat-bike rentals.
EXPERIENCE BRAYON CULTURE
The rich history and cultural diversity of this region
allows for an exciting and lively experience. Keep
an ear out for the distinct dialect of the region,
and taste the influence of Brayon culture in
the local cuisine, trying the traditional ploye, a
buckwheat pancake served at all times of day.
Brought to you by Tourism New Brunswick, #ExploreNB!
Carole Torrens opened Sugardaisy Boutique in 2010, shortly after her daughter Sugar-Daisy was born. Having always loved fashion, a passion she now shares with her daughter, she knew that a boutique was the perfect endeavour for her. The shop is reflective of her own personality, with rural influences on trendy styles. The love for her business is clear in how she puts her whole heart into each detail, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.
[EDIT]ION: Can you tell me about your in-house label, Indigo Summar?
Carole: Indigo Summar is named after and inspired by my other daughter (Indigo Summar). She is so creative - she loves art, animals, bright colours and comfy clothes! She has a fantastic sense of humour, we had a lot of fun coming up with the ideas for the shirt designs in her line.
[EDIT]ION: How do you curate what you carry in the boutique?
[EDIT]ION: Love the mix of country and city chic style. Is that a reflection of your own taste?
Carole: Absolutely. It's a reflection of our lifestyle. We live in a log home in the country, we have horses and a relatively quiet day to day life, but we travel often and enjoy a healthy dose of city life and excitement.
[EDIT]ION: What do you hope people feel when they shop with you?
Carole: It's important to me that everyone feels a warm welcome when they come into my shop. I want it to be a place people enjoy just popping into without feeling intimidated or pressured to make a purchase, but also knowing that we would be thrilled to help them find that perfect peice.
[EDIT]ION: What would be your advice to someone who is thinking about becoming an entrepreneur?
Carole: Do your market research, make sure you are willing to take on the commitment of owning your own business which can often mean never being off the clock, and unforeseen expenses. If you are willing to take on the risk and put in the work, it can be very rewarding.
[EDIT]ION: What is your go to everyday outfit?
Carole: I love wearing dresses - I find they are the most comfortable thing to wear! In the summer it's so easy to throw on a maxi dress, some accessories and sandals, and in the fall a dress with boots and a long cardi. In the colder months I love cozy sweaters and jeans.
Instagram: @shopsugardaisy
[EDIT] + Community Haul
Who doesn’t love to give or receive a thoughtful gift, especially if that gift is overflowing with locally made, handcrafted goodies? Can you imagine anything more Maritime inspired?
Started as an initiative to bring us together in one of the most challenging years we’ve faced, the support of Nova Scotia’s Community Haul, its vendors and its cause partner over the past year has surpassed all expectations and has uplifted spirits across the province and the country.
Every time a Nova Scotia Community Haul box is opened, not only does it bring delight to the recipient, but it creates joy that echoes across the region.
In its first year of celebrating local love, these carefully curated boxes have supported more than 70 (and counting!) Nova Scotian businesses, crafters and artisans who lovingly create the items within. That’s $275,000 that has been infused back into the local economy during the pandemic.
The 6,000+ boxes purchased to date have resulted in $30,000 donated to the IWK Foundation, with $5 from each box supporting women and children in the Maritimes.
Spices and sauces, candies and cookies, stickers and soaps, cards and coffee - these monthly boxes are filled with fun surprises that make the perfect gift for someone you love (even if that someone is you!).
Help Nova Scotia’s Community Haul celebrate its first birthday and join us for the fun in year two!
Follow us @nscommunityhaul on Instagram for our birthday festivities and visit communityhaul.ca and use code EDIT20 for 20% off your first special delivery!
Along the bank of the idyllic Conne River sits the Miawpukek First Nation, far from the main centres of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the early 1960s, the small community was isolated from the rest of the province, unacknowledged as a First Nation reserve, written out of government treaties, and living off the land. It was at that time that 16-year-old Mi’sel Joe left to find work in Nova Scotia.
“When I left there, I had to get on an old coastal boat that went up to Port aux Basques, then on a ferry that crossed to Nova Scotia. All very foreign to me. I’m leaving a community that had no electricity, that had no phones, no anything. I remember getting on that coastal boat, and there were switches for lights all over the place, and I went around the boat flipping all the switches, turning the lights on and off at night!” he reminisces. “And then the food was different too. Growing up here we never had the store-bought food. We only had wild food. So I didn’t know, for instance, what pork chops were until I got to the mainland. I didn’t know what pizza was. A lot of those things that people take for granted..."
Read more about Chief Mi'sel Joe in Volume 18 of [EDIT] magazine, available now by clicking here!
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