It’s been two years since COVID-19 began to impact our lives. We are now shifting to a life where masks and restrictions may be the exception, rather than the rule.
While this is encouraging for many, we also recognize that this change comes with its own challenges. Whether you can’t wait to get back to all the things you’ve postponed over the past two years or are concerned that things are moving too quick, our services will be there to support you. Our staff are open to accommodation and want you to be comfortable while learning or travelling with us.
In the months to come, expect more classes and programs from us. If you are facing any challenges, do let us know – we are here to help.
Get in touch if there’s anything we can assist you with or would like to learn more about us:
e-mail: communications@communityrider.com
phone: 902-883-1608
Elmsdale Community Garden Lunches at the Elmsdale Legion
Need a pick-me-up or know someone who could use a free lunch? Elmsdale Community Garden is serving up delicious meals at the Elmsdale Legion for pick up or delivery with the Community Rider. Our next meal is Wednesday, March 2nd from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and we’re cooking Turkey Soup with Grilled Ham & Cheese sandwiches.
Please note that we have limited availability for delivery. The goal is to reach as many people as possible: if you can pick it up at the legion, do so. To order delivery, call 902-883-4716. If you had booked delivery for last year, we request that you contact us to confirm you are still interested.
Pick up is first come, first served. Line up in your cars in front of the legion and we will serve you as fast as our cooks can serve it up!
Can’t make it this week? We’ll be holding more in the weeks to come with a variety of meals. Check the Elmsdale Community Garden Facebook page so you don’t miss out.
Thanks to New Horizons for Seniors for helping us reach more people than ever with this meal!
We’re moving ahead in our plans for a Family Literacy event that will have you and a group of friends and family on the move!
Registration is now open for the amazing East Hants Community Quest. The quest will present your group with a series of challenges to be completed in the East Hants area, similar to last year’s Scavenger Hunt. Challenges will be family friendly, group oriented and aim to spread a little joy in our community.
Stay tuned to East Hants Community Learning & Community Rider’s Facebook page for updates. We can’t wait to bring some cheer to your family in the week’s ahead.
Did you know the Community Rider does grocery pick-up? We can collect orders from Superstore or Sobeys using their PC Express and Voilà services.
We require at least 24 hours notice and operate Monday to Friday. Price is based on distance travelled. Give us a call at 902-883-4716 before you place your order and we’ll let you know when we can fit in a delivery. Then order your groceries for that time online:
Our drivers will then drop off your groceries at your front door. Please note they are not permitted to enter a home or apartment building.
For more information about the Community Rider and affordable, accessible transportation for everyone in our communities, check out our website: https://communityrider.ruralrides.ca/
Community Courses are Back!
Another sign of the changing times is the return of community courses. These educational sessions for the general public are hosted by EHCLA, free of charge, and cover a variety of topics suggested by our community. Two courses are starting in March: Fly-tying and First Steps in Weaving.
Both of these courses filled up within days of posting them on Facebook. Don’t despair if you missed this chance – they will be back! In the mean time, we’re always looking for suggestions for new courses. Don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas that would interest your friends and family.
It can be easy to get down these days. But there are always ways to turn around a day. One of our favourites at East Hants Community Learning is the Action for Happiness monthly calendar. Our instructor Jean prints them off every month – it adds a lovely bit of positivity to the day.
With daily goals that are easy to achieve, the calendar gives you something positive to work on. A lot of the goals are simply changing your frame of mind, paying attention to feelings and appreciating the little things. Pin it up at the start of the month, read the goal each morning and keep it in mind as you go about your day.
One of the biggest challenges of cooking is to keep things fresh and interesting. We all have our favourites, but there’s a world of food out there. For each month, I will share an interesting recipe from somewhere around the world. I hope you will try it out.
This month’s recipe: Shrimp Pad Thai
Country of Origin: Thailand
Street food is becoming ever more popular and pad thai is a go-to for a quick, tasty meal. It’s one of those dishes you can throw into a wok, season to your tastes and enjoy. It also uses rice noodles, so if you are trying to reduce wheat in your diet, it’s a great mid-week addition. This recipe uses shrimp, but you can easily add chicken, fish or tofu to change things up.
Ingredients: (serves 4)
8 ounces wide rice noodles
3-4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, using more or less to taste
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4-1 teaspoon chili flakes, plus more for serving
1 pound raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil
4-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
3 tablespoons salted butter
2-3 eggs, beaten
2 cups bean sprouts or chopped baby bok coy (or other greens)
4 green onions, chopped, plus more for serving
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Thai or regular basil and limes, for serving
Directions:
Cook the rice noodles according to packaged directions.
To make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, honey, and chili flakes.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the shrimp and sear on both sides until pink, 2-3 minutes. Add the butter, garlic, a pinch of both chili flakes and black pepper. Continue to cook the shrimp in the butter until the garlic begins to caramelize and turn light golden brown, another 1-2 minutes.
Add the noodles and sauce, tossing to combine. Cook until the noodles are warmed through and begin soaking up the sauce, about 1 minute. Push the noodles to one side of the skillet and add the eggs to the other side. Let cook until the edges start to set, 1 minute. Roughly scramble the egg, then toss with the noodles. Remove from the heat. Add the bean sprouts and green onions, toss to combine.
Divide the noodles and shrimp between plates. Top with basil, green onions, peanuts, and chili flakes. Add a squeeze of lime juice.
Share your pictures with us and we’ll have another recipe for you to try next month. Enjoy!
