July 2021

July 2021
Enjoy the Sunny Summer!

It’s been a tough year, but the summer has arrived and restrictions are starting to lift. We hope you will take some time to relax, recharge and reinvigorate for the year ahead.

Whether you are looking to reconnect with family and friends, spend some time on the beach, or explore Nova Scotia and beyond, we’re here to help. The Elmsdale Community Garden is planted and open to the public. The Community Rider has cars and vans available to get you to your summer destinations. To book a ride, give us a call at 902-883-4716.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on pop up markets and activities this summer. Thanks for all the support this year and can’t wait to see you outdoors.

For more information on programs and services:
e-mail: communications@communityrider.com
phone: 902-883-1608

Check out our Annual Report

This year’s annual report is out! You can read it here: http://www.easthantslearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2020-2021-Annual-Report.pdf

While many of our numbers were down, we connected with more people than ever before. From $5 rides to vaccine appointments to free lunches for anyone in the community, we did what we could to lighten the load for many. Our team stepped up and delivered outstanding programs in a challenging year.

A big thank you to all our supporters. From funders to partnering organizations to businesses to individual donors, we could not provide our programming and services without you. Special thanks to our corporate members – businesses and individuals who sign up for a $50 annual contribution:

Allison Land Surveys
Athena Computer Solutions
BBD Pest Services
Carruthers, MacDonell & Robson
CBDC Blue Water
E-Commerce Solutions by Canucks
East Hants Family Resource Centre
Elmsdale Lumber
Elmsdale Landscaping
Enfield Investments
Gateway Facilities
Golden Star Pizza & Grocery
The Hearing Specialists
Leno’s Stop Shop
Margaret Miller
McNeill’s Shell
ProTX
Ribahi Brothers
Royal Bank of Canada Elmsdale Branch
Stephen King
Tots Academy

For more information about our services, check out our website:
http://www.easthantslearning.com

Farewell to our Learners
Thanks to a lightening of COVID-19 restrictions, we were able to share an outdoor lunch with our Adult Learning classes before our summer break. It was wonderful to catch up after a month away and enjoy the lovely weather.

Interested in getting help with learning? We offer assistance with:

  • GED Preparation
  • Reading, writing and math skills
  • Computer, tablet and phone skills
  • Tutoring for work-based upgrading
  • Workshops and skills training
To speak with one of our instructors, get in touch:
phone (902) 883-1608
email jean@easthantslearning.com
or pgitom@easthantslearning.com
Introducing Billy’s Bus
East Hants & Area Community Rider‘s fleet has grown! We have added another accessible, 8 passenger van to our crew. This brings us up to 4 vans and 2 cars.

All of our vehicles have names, and this newest addition is called “Billy’s Bus.” We’re naming this van in honour of Bill Greenlaw, Executive Director of the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. Billy’s Bus will be a great help to us, providing greater flexibility for transporting groups as bubbles expand.

If you are interested in going for a ride in Billy’s Bus, or simply are looking for an affordable way to get from Point A to B, we’d love to hear from you. Our service is there for everyone in the community and by using community transit, you are helping us build a stronger network of transportation for people in East Hants and surrounding communities.

To book a ride with the Community Rider:
e-mail: dispatch@communityrider.com
phone: 902-883-4716

Fare Assistance Program

Do you know someone that struggles to afford the cost of transportation? The Fare Assistance Program is open to anyone who is low income or faces financial barriers to access transportation.

Rates for this program are between $5 and $10, depending on your region. For a complete regional breakdown, please visit our website: easthantslearning.com/fare-assistance-program/.

Please spread the word about this program. We want everyone that struggles financially in our area to be able to access transportation.

For more information or to book a ride:
e-mail: dispatch@communityrider.com
phone: 902-883-4716

See the Sights of Nova Scotia
This month’s recommendation:

It’s summer and with COVID-19 cases going down, now is the perfect time to explore. We’ll start this month with Nova Scotia, as there is plenty to see and do locally before venturing further abroad as restrictions lessen. Plus, a short distance trip is always wise before any major travels.

Beaches
First up, our beautiful sea shore. Here are some gems by the water that are well worth a visit:

Burntcoat Head – A must see for anyone in East Hants. Red rocky cliffs and a chance to walk on the Bay of Fundy.

West Mabou Beach – A beautiful beach on the west coast of Cape Breton.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs – Seaside cliffs in Cumberland County with massive petrified trees, ferns and bugs.

Clam Harbour Beach Provincial Park – Site of an amazing sandcastle competition in August. Fingers crossed!

Museums
Next, a mix of museums that offer more than just exhibits. From guided tours to music and traditional food, give these a try:

Historical Acadian Village – Seaside museum in Pubnico with a blacksmith, fishermen, and boat builders. FREE this year!

Ross Farm Museum – Costumed interpreters show farm activities. Learn about animals and go for a wagon ride. FREE this year!

Highland Village Museum – Explore historical houses, try an oatcake and listen to a toe-tappin’ tune on the fiddle. FREE this year!

Miners Museum – Take a ride in a cart in Glace Bay with a retired miner guide and explore the depths of a coal mine shaft.

Enjoy the treasures of our province and hope you all get the chance to catch up with loved ones from near and far. Next month’s highlights will be on some parks around the country to put on your bucket list.

Thank you for reading. See you next month!

Phil Laven
Communications Manager
East Hants & Area Community Rider
communications@communityrider.com
(902) 883-1608