LAKE AINSLIE NEWSLETTER  (VOL. 5)        Winter, 2014

Dance the winter away at the Fire Hall!
The Fire Department fundraising committee will hold two events over the winter months:

• Friday, February 14th take your sweetheart to the Valentine’s Dance, from 10pm to 1am.  Music by ‘No Filter’ - this band was a hit on New Year’s Eve.  
  
• On Saturday, March 15th you can wear your greenest attire to the St. Patrick’s Day Pub… watch for more details on time and entertainment TBA.    
  

Getting fit at the Fire Hall
Fitness classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays 9am through 10:30am until April  11 (a Friday by exception).   The classes are a mix of aerobics, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and balance components.  Men and women of all ages are welcome.  First class is free.  $20 for 8 classes.  Contact Maggie Herbert for schedule details 258-3320.  Snow policy is to cancel when schools are closed. 
Dannsair Fitness also continues to offer yoga classes each Tuesday night from 6:30 to 7:30pm, beginners area always welcome to join or just check out a class and see if you are interested.   

LADA meeting and “Welcome to Lake Ainslie” signage
LADA has a meeting scheduled for Monday, February 24th with one of the topics of discussion being the signage being purchased for the area.  A committee of LADA has been working on getting quotes and design ideas for a “Welcome to Lake Ainslie” sign.  The sign design has been agreed upon and will be ordered following the February meeting, with plans to have them erected by springtime.   The former Chair of LADA has stepped down so the meeting will also be a time to discuss new Executive members.  Any concerns or ideas about the Lake Ainslie area can be brought to this meeting for discussion.

Trail Committee update
The trail committee was very busy in the fall, the chipper was hired to go through the Lower Road below Lakeview Drive and trim the trees on either side of the trail.  Culvert work and ditching was also completed.  This trail is often groomed in winter and is a beautiful place for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.  A meeting of the trail committee will be held on Tuesday, February 11th at the Fire Hall at 8pm. 

“Craft Dinner” at the Scotsville School of Crafts
This Saturday, February 8th is “Craft Dinner” at the School of Crafts!  Everyone is welcome to join fellow crafters at the Scotsville School of Crafts for our monthly craft potluck!  Bring your knitting! Quilting! Embroidery! Crochet! Weaving!  Your half-finished projects! Or any other high-fibre activity!  (Painting, jewellery-making, and all other creative pursuits are welcome too!)  Saturday, February 8th, from 10 to 2 pm (drop in and say hi, or stay all day!)  Bring your own lunch or a meal to share!

"Keep your faith in beautiful things; in the sun when it is hidden, 
                                              in the Spring when it is gone." - Roy R. Gibson


Winter programs at the Scotsville School of Crafts
Inverness County Recreation & Continuing Education programs being soon, with the schedule of spring classes, 2014, recently released in the Partici-Paper.  Spring classes include weaving with the amazingly skilled Eileen MacNeil; watercolour painting with the talented and patient Elaine Panuska, as well as game nights, such as Scrabble, Euchre and Tile Rummy. 

Unique one- day workshops include topics such as: fly tying, artisan bread making, quilting, and knitting beaded Lithuanian wrist warmers!  


Check the Oran or Partici-paper for full details and dates.  Registration dates for Scotsville:  Feb. 18, 3- 4:00pm & Feb.19, 7 – 8:00pm or Phone 258-2278, or mail to Verna MacMillan, 3054 Route #395, East Lake Ainslie, R.R. #1 Whycocomagh, B0E 3M0 or e-mail, [email protected]

The Lake Ainslie Newsletter is updated 4 times per year. 
Please share the newsletter with anyone who might be interested.  
If you wish to be on the mailing list please sign up on the lakeainslie.ca website,
or send an e-mail to [email protected]
Please send your events to be included to: [email protected]


Save the date, don’t hibernate!! 
Saturday, February 8th       “Craft Dinner” at the School of Crafts, 10am -2pm
Friday February 14th           Valentine’s Day Dance at the Fire Hall, 10pm to 1am
February 15th & 16th           Winter Sportfishing Weekend in NS
Saturday, February 22nd    Capers Snowmobile Rally, leaving from the Fire Hall
Saturday, March 15th          St. Patrick’s Day Pub at the Fire Hall (details TBA)

Meetings:
Firemen's Meetings:                                 Wed. Feb. 5th & Wed. March 5th @ 8pm
Fundraising Committee Meetings:         Mon. Feb. 3rd & Mon. March 3rd @ 7pm
Lake Ainslie Trail Committee                  Tues. Feb. 11th @ 8pm, at the Fire Hall
Registration for spring classes:               Feb. 18, 3- 4:00pm & Feb. 19, 7 – 8:00pm
Lake Ainslie Development Assoc.          Mon. Feb. 24th @ 7:30pm location TBA

New members are always welcome and encouraged to join 
local volunteer organizations!

LAKE AINSLIE NEWSLETTER          (VOL. 4)        AUTUMN 2013


“LAKESIDE IMPRESSIONS” AT THE SCOTSVILLE SCHOOL OF CRAFTS
The Scotsville School of Crafts & Lake Ainslie Weavers Guild has a busy schedule of events slated for the month of October during the International Celtic Colours Festival.  The annual art and craft show “Lakeside Impressions” opens on Saturday, October 12th at 1pm with tea and live music.  There are many workshops and events occurring during the 10 day event, including a spinning demonstration, an outdoor watercolour painting workshop with Barrie Fraser, a Celtic Walk and Milling Frolic, and square dancing lessons.  

There will be a “Hot and Hearty” Lunch at the School of Crafts on Wednesday, October 16th, open to everyone, featuring homemade soup, biscuits, apple crumble and tea or coffee for $10.   The lunch is at noon, following a Celtic Walk.  Check the Oran or Participaper for full details, schedule and cost for each workshop or event.

LADA PURCHASING COMMUNITY SIGNAGE
A committee of LADA has been planning to purchase “Welcome to Lake Ainslie” signs to be placed in three locations approaching the Lake.  The committee has chosen a simple design stating: “Welcome to our community, Lake Ainslie, largest natural freshwater lake in Nova Scotia.” The signs will also feature “service symbols” to alert travellers to the types of services or amenities available around the Lake.  The signs will not have any photos or images of the Lake because it is felt the scenery speaks for itself. 

GETTING FIT AT THE FIRE HALL
There are currently two fitness classes being held at the Firehall and both are drop- in classes that everyone is welcome to attend.  Aero tone / aerobics is held Wednesday and Friday morning from 9 am to 10:30am, and are led by Maggie Herbert.  Gentle Yoga is held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30pm and is taught by Jenny Cluett of Dannsair Fitness. 

TRAIL COMMITTEE UPDATE
Work has begun on parts of the trail, including a new route to connect the trail near the Scotsville Bridge to Lakeview Drive.  The work done has created a slightly new route in this area, avoiding the wettest parts of the trail, this will be better for snowmobilers and makes for a lovely walk to Patterson’s Store from Lakeview Drive!  More work is to come on the “sandbank” area of the W.S.S.W. Margaree Road, of Lakeview Drive. 

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ― L.M. Montgomery


WORKSHOPS AT THE SCOTSVILLE SCHOOL OF CRAFTS
Once again the Municipal Recreation Department and local volunteers have put together a full slate of programs for the Fall season.  There are many hands on workshops to learn new skills or get an early start on Christmas gifts and projects. Check the Oran or Participaper for details, here are a few examples of one day workshops being offered:

Ongoing events:

SCRABBLE                              Every Tuesday evening, no fee.       7pm, everyone welcome!

SOCK KNITTING                    Beginning Oct. 22nd, 6 – 8pm           Fee $30.00 / 6 wks

INTERNET & EMAIL              Beginning Oct. 24th, 7 – 8:30pm      Fee $15.00 / 4 wks

One-Day workshops:

BASKETRY WORKSHOP (TRADITIONAL, MI’KMAQ)        Oct. 15th 12:30- 4pm                $50.00

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING (OUTDOOR)                            Oct. 18th, 1- 4pm                   $20.00

RIGID HEDDLE LOOM WEAVING WORKSHOP                   Oct. 29th 6:30- 9pm              $20.00

STITCH & FLIP QUILTING                                                    Nov. 2nd, 10- 4pm                  $20.00

UKRAINIAN EGG PAINTING                                                 Nov. 2nd, 1- 4pm                    $20.00

BEADED LITHUANIAN WRIST WARMERS                          Nov. 9th, 12- 4pm           $20 + $15.00

LOCKER HOOKING WORKSHOP                                          Nov. 16th, 12-3pm        $20 + $15.00

NATURAL FIR WREATH MAKING                                        Nov. 21st, 7- 9pm                   $15.00

NO KNEAD ARTISAN BREAD                                                Nov. 23rd, 12- 1:30pm          $   5.00

NAUTICAL WREATH WORKSHOP                                       Dec. 7th, 1:30- 4pm               $20.00

To register for the above workshops, contact Verna MacMillan: 258 - 2278

           
Don’t “fall” behind…  save the date…! 
October 12th – Opening Reception, Lakeside Impressions, Scotsville School of Crafts, 1- 4pm

October 12th – Annual Fall Fair, S.W. Margaree Parish Hall, 11- 1pm

October 15th – Thanksgiving Holiday

October 31st – Hallowe’en – watch out for the bochans & enjoy some fuarag!

November 3rd – Daylight Savings Time Ends – time to change your clock!

To submit calendar events or photos, visit: www.lakeainslie.ca
If you wish to receive this newsletter automatically the best way to do so is to sign up on the website, or send your e-mail address to: lakeainslienewsletter @ gmail.com

Please forward or share this newsletter with anyone who may be interested!  Thank you!

LAKE AINSLIE NEWSLETTER            (VOL. 3)     SUMMER 2013

FIREMEN’S CEILIDH DAYS
Lake Ainslie Volunteer Firemen’s Ceilidh Days begin on Tuesday, July 2nd and continue for a full week of fun events.  The schedule is out and the list of daily events can be found below.  There will be lots of fun for all ages with the highlight being Saturday’s parade and games day.  Thanks to all the supporters and all the volunteers who make this annual week of events happen!

MACDONALD HOUSE MUSEUM
The MacDonald House Museum will be offering a variety of interesting events this summer.  The first organized event will be held on Thursday, July 4th at the Museum, from 2- 4pm.  Robyn Jessome, a student from East Lake will present her Heritage Fair project and Cathy MacLean will do a school re-enactment.  Everyone is welcome to come and hear the presentation.  Robyn placed in the top of her class, which meant she attended the Regional Heritage Fair in Mulgrave this spring.
Other events to watch for this summer include: History talks by guests, storytelling, weekly Gaelic lessons & tea, card games, children’s game day, a Heritage walk, and a craft day to showcase local artisans’ work.  Be sure to drop by or promote the Museum to friends and visitors as a stopping place to tour around, it’s also a lovely site for family picnics, photography or sketching, or hosting group events.  

WEEKLY DANCES BEGIN
The weekly adult square dances at the Fire Hall begin this week, July 3rd, and this year the dances will be held on Wednesdays instead of Tuesdays.  The weekly dances are a fundraiser for the Fire Department.  If you don’t feel like dancing you can still attend the dance, hang out with neighbours or just listen to the music!

TRAIL COMMITTEE UPDATE
The trail committee is working on doing some trimming and ditching on the “Lower Road” of Lakeview Drive in Scotsville.  The committee has received funding from the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Association of Nova Scotia.  The permissions from the Department of Transportation, however are slow going, but the committee will work on sections they can fix up in the mean time.  The trail committee is always interested in having new members, and ideas for what to include on interpretive signage for the area near the river. 

GAELIC LANGUAGE LESSONS IN GILLISDALE
Carmen MacArthur purchased a home in Gillisdale last year with the goal of offering Gaelic lessons in this area.  This winter she held three very popular Gaelic classes to groups using an immersion method.  This summer she is offering unique hands- on Gaelic lessons once again, relating to gardening, nature, and songs.  The full list of classes is posted at Patterson’s Store in Scotsville.

LAKE AINSLIE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION UPDATE
LADA is currently working on purchasing signage to place at welcome points to Lake Ainslie.  The sign will be very simple and will state: “Welcome to Lake Ainslie, Nova Scotia’s largest natural freshwater lake.”  The committee decided no other art or photos were needed on the signage as the scenery in this area speaks for itself.  The design will be circulated as much as possible before the signs are purchased.  A big THANK YOU to everyone who took part in the Spring Clean Up Day in May, the ditches around parts of Lake Ainslie were cleaned.  Also thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Spring Fling Pub & Auction event in March.  LADA appreciates the support and involvement of everyone who took part.  LADA will continue to consider what came out of the planning process this winter and regroup in the Fall.

 “We’ve come for the ceilidh”… save the date… 

July 2nd –   Merchandise Bingo, 7:30pm

July 3rd –    Adult Square Dance featuring Kinnon & Betty Lou Beaton, 10pm  ($7.00)

July 4th –    Heritage Fair Presentation at MacDonald House Museum, 2- 4pm

                     Adult Pub Night featuring “Moo’n Lighting Players”.  8pm – 12am ($10.00)

July 5th –    Maragh & Ham Supper at the Fire Hall, 4- 6pm ($15.00/ $7.00)

July 6th –    PARADE DAY!   Parade @ noon, games of chance, children’s games, BBQ, 
                     Bake Sale, Bingo, Teddy Bear’s Picnic & Bounce -A- Rama!  

                     Beer Garden from 4:00 – 8:00pm featuring Aaron MacDonald ($10.00)

July 9th -      United Church Supper – Pork Chop Barbecue & salads, being held at the   
                      Fire Hall, 5:00- 6:30pm  ($12.00/ $6.00 under age 12).

July 21st -    Dedication Service, East Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church, 3:00pm.


If you wish to get the newsletter automatically the best way to guarantee that is to sign up on the website, or send your e-mail address to:  [email protected]

LAKE AINSLIE NEWSLETTER  (VOL. 2)       Spring, 2013 

Community Clean Up Day & Flea Market
LADA has registered the community in the “Clean Across Nova Scotia” campaign and a clean up will be held on May 11th.  You can pick up garbage bags & gloves at the Fire Hall on the morning of May 11th beginning at 8am, or you can use your own bags to clean up anytime leading up to May 11th.  Everyone is encouraged to clean a section of the roadside & ditches near their home.  The Department of Transportation will pick up the garbage in the area- we are confirming whether this will be in one location or in multiple locations. 

LADA will also host a flea market on the same day, at the Fire Hall from 9am to 11am.  Items can be dropped off for LADA to sell, or guests can have their own table.    

New Business Venture in Downtown Kirkwood
Barrie Fraser who works out of Kirkwood Studios and Robby MacKinnon Antiques of Ainslie Glen and Baddeck, have combined their talents in a new business venture.  Overlooking beautiful Lake Ainslie, the Kirkwood Gallery houses amazing art and unique antiques. 

You may have spotted the lovely new road signs as you enter Kirkwood.  Official date for the grand opening is TBA.

Trail Committee 
The Trail Committee will meet on Thursday, May 2nd at 7:30pm at the Fire Hall.  The group is working to develop plans for creating a trail on the “Lower road” off Lakeview Drive.  Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting and get involved in the plans for the trail committee.

Historical Society Meeting to plan for short & long term goals
The Historical Society, which runs the MacDonald House Museum is planning for both the short term and long term outlook of the Museum site.  Any new members and interested individuals and volunteers wishing to get involved are encouraged to do so.  The next meeting of the Historical Society will be held at the MacDonald House on Tuesday, May 14th at 7:30pm.

Fitness Classes
Watch for news about new fitness classes beginning soon at the fire hall.  Classes will include yoga and group fitness. 

Board of Governance Training
The training for Board of Directors has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 11th from 10am to 3pm at the Inverness Cottage Workshop.  This is a free workshop to learn about the responsibilities of being a chair, vice chair, secretary or treasurer, or member of a voluntary Board of Directors.  Register with Cindy O’Neill and check the Oran for more details. 

Back-to- Back Wool Challenge
Members of the Lake Ainslie Weavers & Craft Guild are taking part in the annual Back-to- Back Wool Challenge this Sunday, May 5th.  Along with shearing, spinning & knitting, the day long event will also feature a delicious brunch & craft fair.  This year the Challenge is being held at the Judique Community Centre and all proceeds go toward Inverness County Palliative Care.

Renewable Energy Information Session
Are you interested in learning more about wind and solar energy production?  There will be an information session and presentation given by Appleseed Energy on Monday, May 27th at 7:30pm at the Fire Hall in Scotsville.  Appleseed is a private business based in Cape Breton, promoting and installing solar energy for homes, businesses & community groups.  They have been involved in installing solar systems on community halls in Cape Breton and have greatly reduced the cost of energy bills.  The information session is free & open to everyone.

LADA community development planning process
The Lake Ainslie Development Association held their AGM on Tuesday, April 26th at the Fire Hall.  A summary of the community development action plan sessions was given, and guest speaker for the meeting was the Municipal Councillor of District 4, Jim Mustard.  The LADA document summarizing all of the responses from the workshops, surveys and interviews is on the lakeainslie.ca website, or a copy can be requested from Coralie.  

The Lake Ainslie Newsletter will be updated 4 times per year. 
Please share the newsletter with anyone who might be interested.  
If you wish to be on the mailing list please sign up on the lakeainslie.ca website, or send an e-mail to [email protected]
Please send your events to be included to: [email protected]

Look what is Springing Up!! … Save the date!
Wednesday, May 1st – Lake Ainslie Fire Department Regular Monthly Meeting

Thursday, May 2nd – Trail Committee Meeting, Fire Hall at 7:30pm

Sunday, May 5th – Back to Back Wool Challenge in Judique

Saturday, May 11th – Flea Market & Community Clean Up Day, 9am – 11am

Saturday, May 11th – Voluntary Board of Director Training, Inverness Cottage Workshop

Tuesday, May 14th - Meeting of the Historical Society, at the MacDonald House at 7:30pm.

Monday, May 27th – Information session on Renewable Energy, Fire Hall, 7:30pm  

Saturday, June 1st  - Annual Cod Fish Dinner at the East Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church

Save the Date!! Firemen’s Ceilidh Days will be held July 2nd to July 6th this year.

July 21st - The Official Dedication of the East Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church, 3:00pm

Please check the community calendar on the lakeainslie.ca website for ongoing event updates.

Happy Mother's Day on Sunday, May 12th & Happy Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16th

LADA community development planning process
The Lake Ainslie Development Association is holding community workshops as part of the process to create a community development action plan.  The community development action plan will direct priorities for LADA for the next 5 to 10 years.  It is important that community members and existing organizations share their thoughts on what they hope to see for the future of the area.  At the January workshop the results of the community survey were shared and participants discussed ideas and options for natural resources, arts & culture, employment, etc...  The February workshop will look at the brainstormed ideas from the January workshop and will consider action steps that can be taken.   Everyone is welcome at the workshop, including those who did not attend in January. 
What is the purpose?  The community development action plan will shape the priorities for LADA as well as for future funding.  It will create a long- term vision and goals for planning for the future of the area.  Any organizations wishing to be involved in the action plan are encouraged to attend or send representatives.  If your organization wishes to be part of the long term planning or discuss how your plans for the organization fit into the overall plan, please contact Marilyn 756-4444 or Coralie 258-2546.

Winter Recreation Classes 
Registration for winter recreation classes in Scotsville will be held on February 12 & 13th at the Scotsville School of Crafts.  Classes being offered include Beginner and Intermediate Weaving, Knitting, Internet & E-mail for beginners, as well as Tile Rummy and one day workshops.  Full details are in the Oran and the Participaper.  You can also find the full list of classes on the www.lakeainslie.ca website in the ‘Documents’ section.
There is also an ongoing low impact aerobics fitness class at the fire hall.  Contact instructor Maggie Herbert for information and to register.

Fire Department
The Lake Ainslie Volunteer Fire Department celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2012.  Thanks to all volunteers who have supported the fire department over the years.  The Annual General Meeting was held on January 23rd.  The current executive is; Chief, Michael Gillis, Deputy Chief, Mike Gillis, Treasurer, Vince Jessome & Secretary, Jesse Fraser.
Fire practice is held every second Wednesday night at 7pm and the regular monthly meeting is the first Wednesday of every month at 8pm. There is a regular monthly meeting tonight: Wednesday, February 6th. 

Trail Committee 
The trail committee had a reorganizing meeting on Thursday, January 31st.  There were lots of new faces and interest in creating a trail along the “lower road” below Lakeview Drive, which has beautiful views of the river.  The trail committee has received some funding from the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) association and hope to apply for more funding and possibly see work start this spring.  Anyone interested in getting involved in the trail committee is encouraged to do so. 

New Website for Lake Ainslie 
Have you seen the new website for Lake Ainslie?  Please take a look and give feedback: What do you like about it, what is missing?  Can you suggest ways to make it better and/or more interactive?  Submit photos to be displayed and add information to the community calendar of events.  Share the website with people who live away or who are thinking of moving to the area.  Check out the map and list of local businesses.  The website can be found at: www.lakeainslie.ca

Church has reopened!
December saw the first service held at the newly build East Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church.  It was quite a feat to reopen in just one year, and the builders and volunteers put in a lot of time and effort to ensure the church opened for Christmas.  The official dedication of the church will be held in July 2013 and the date is to be announced.  The church has a website where photos of the rebuild can be seen http://lapreschurch.com

The Lake Ainslie Newsletter will be updated 4 times per year.   Please send your events to be included to:  [email protected]  Please share the newsletter with anyone who might be interested.  You can also sign up to receive the newsletter on the lakeainslie.ca website.


SAVE THE DATE! Don’t hibernate!
Saturday, February 9: Community Development Action Plan Workshop #2
This follow up workshop will begin at 9am and will include sharing the information discussed and gathered in workshop #1 in January.  This workshop is open to everyone, even if you did not attend the first workshop.   Gary Koziel from the Department of Agriculture will be in attendance to share information on opportunities relating to agriculture.  STORM DATE is Saturday, Feb. 16th at 9am

Sunday, February 10: Chocolate celebration & bake sale! 
Scotsville School of Crafts, 1 to 4pm.  Just in time for Valentine’s Day… come out and make your own chocolate candy, or purchase something to take home to your sweetheart! 

Sunday, February 17: Board of Governance Training 
Are you on a Board for a nonprofit group, serving as Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary or Treasurer or considering volunteering in the future and interested in finding out more about your role and responsibilities? 
There will be a training session offered on Sunday, Feb. 17th at the Inverness Cottage Workshop.  It's free and will be led by the Cape Breton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CBCVO).  The Cottage Workshop will provide break snacks & tea and will ask everyone to bring a potluck item for lunch.  Please watch the Oran for more details for more details and how to register.

Saturday, February 23: Snowmobile Rally & Dance 
February 23, 2013 hosted by Inverness Capers Snowmobile Club, leaving from the Lake Ainslie Fire Hall.  There will be a dance at the fire hall on the evening of February 23!

FEBRUARY 10th is Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake!   
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY on February 14th!