It’s a new year and for many, this is a time of renewal. Some make New Year’s resolutions, others start new courses in school. We’re all hoping that 2023 will be a better year, with less stress and more stability for everyone.
For those without a plan for the year ahead, consider some of the programs and events going on in January. There’s a mix of fun, food, education, and opportunities to help you get by in these tough times. Between our organizations and partners in the community, we hope that everyone will get through this year safely.
Thanks for being a part of our community and we hope you will take part in our programs and services this year!
From computers to tablets to cell phones, technology can be tricky. East Hants Community Learning is here for people of all ages, and one of our most frequent requests is for help using computers.
This year, we will be expanding our classes, with the option to bring a technology class to your community. Get a few friends together, propose a venue that we can meet at and we can come to you. We can even bring computers or tablets for participants!
Classes are Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, either in our classroom (224 Highway 214 in Elmsdale) or in a community space near you. Learn the technology you need and share the experience with friends in your community!
To register for classes or to discuss a mobile classroom, contact our office:
Last year, we hosted a variety of free community meals out of the Elmsdale Legion. This Wednesday, January 11th from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., we’ll be holding our first of the season: meatloaf, mashed potatoes and veggies.
We will continue serving these meals drive-thru style. Line up in front of the legion in your vehicle. We will come out and ask for number of meals and return with your meals when they are ready. Be prepared to wait, as these meals have proved very popular in the past. Meals are first come, first served until we are out of food.
Deliveries are reserved for those unable to drive to the legion – if you can get there yourself, please do. These orders will be delivered at some time between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. To add yourself to the delivery list, please call the Community Rider at 902-883-4716 to book. If you have signed up for delivery in previous years, please confirm that you are still interested. Deliveries must be pre-booked by January 10th at 3 p.m.
Lastly, you’ll notice a space at the bottom of our poster reserved for a sponsor. These events do have a cost and funding for the Community Garden is limited. If you or your workplace are interested in supporting access to food in our community, consider signing up as a Corporate Sponsor for one of our programs. You can also get promoted through our Facebook page, newsletter or on a Community Rider vehicle. For more information, check out our Corporate Sponsorship Package: www.easthantslearning.com/corporate-sponsorship
Stay tuned to the Elmsdale Community Garden Facebook page for updates on community meals, freezer meals and food events, available for everyone in our community.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to find success. Sometimes, we get stuck and need help to learn the skills we need to advance in work and in life. Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., we are offering a free course: Ready, Set, Go.
This program is focused on providing the environment and skills to help individuals move forward. Whether you’re unsure of what your next steps are or have a clear vision of a career or goal you would like to achieve, we can help you get there. Everyone is welcome and group sizes are kept small to ensure maximum support.
Family time can be hard to come by. Between work, school and daily responsibilities, life is busy. However, each year, we try to highlight ways that families can come together while learning and having fun.
This year, for Family Literacy Day, we will be holding a free morning of fun and games, open to everyone in our community. Some of the activities we have lined up include:
The Community Garden team has cooked up another batch of Goulash and some delicious Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo for the Community Freezer. If you are in need of a meal for whatever reason, give us a call at 902-883-1608 and set up a time for pick up from our office. We can also deliver through the Community Rider if transportation is a barrier.
New to this year: help us fill the freezer more often by becoming a Corporate Sponsor! For $500, we can cook up a variety of meals that will support anyone in our community that needs a meal. You or your workplace will be recognized on the poster, online and in our annual report. It’s a great way to showcase your support for the community and help us reach more people with this program.
For updates on the Community Freezer or for more information on Corporate Sponsorship:
phone: 902-883-1608
e-mail: communications@communityrider.com
Struggling with the Cost of
Transportation?
The price of transportation isn’t getting any cheaper and we’re getting more calls all the time from folks looking to save on getting from point A to B.
To assist low-income passengers, we have received funding to bring back the Fare Assistance Program. Passengers will be offered to apply for the subsidy if they identify as low income:
An individual making less than $24,000 per year
A family of 2 making a combined income of less than $30,877 per year
A family of 3 making a combined income of less than $37,816 per year
A family of 4 or more making a combined income of less than $43,666 per year
Passengers will be eligible for one (1) day of subsidized transportation weekly to a monthly maximum of $300
EXCEPTION: Medical transportation for dialysis or frequent medical appointments, ie. cancer treatments
Here is a breakdown of regions and costs:
Regions
Cost per person
Trips under 12 km
$5
Trips between 12 – 25 km
$10
Trips over 25 km
50% of
regular fare
For a full list of details, check out the information page on the Community Rider website.
If you know someone that struggles to afford the cost of transportation, get in touch with the Community Rider at:
Corporate Sponsor Highlight:
East Hants Family Resource Centre
Each month, we will be recognizing Corporate Sponsors for their support of our programs. The contribution from these sponsors help us run programs that require additional funding.
The East Hants Family Resource Centre is just down the hall from us and has always been a huge supporter. We work together on programs and spread the word about each other’s activities.
EHFRC has a wonderful range of programs and services for parents, caregivers and families in our community, including:
Baby Time: Drop in for parents/caregivers with babies up to 1 year old
Wednesday Walks: Group walks for families at a variety of locations
Run and Tumble: Active play for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers
and much more!
If you are not familiar with them, you should follow EHFRC on Facebook. Their page is filled with lots of useful resources and information.
