Getting Back In TouchGreetings, It has been a year and a half since the election. A lot has changed in our community, and a lot has remained the same. Our new elected officials have settled in to their roles, and we are seeing what they bring to the community. I wanted to reach out, provide an update on my situation, and discuss some community issues. This newsletter is a continuation of the ones that I started while I was the HRM Councillor for the area. I plan to send a newsletter like this every month, and also when there are emergent items. My goal is to discuss what is happening in and around our community. I also want to bring some other ideas to the forefront. Some of what I will discuss is reflective. If you would like to discuss any information here, then please reach out. If you would like to update your newsletter preferences then please visit http://www.paulrussell.ca/newsletters |
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My HealthIn late 2023 I started my cancer journey, and I made the choice for it to be public. It would have been irresponsible for me to do otherwise. The type of cancer that I had, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, caused a tumour at the back of my tongue and tonsils that also spread to some lymph nodes. It is now two and a half years later, and my radiologist recently told me that I am cancer free. I was thrilled with that news. I will continue to be monitored and, other than working with the residual effects of the treatment, I don’t expect any negative results. Full steam ahead! With all that has happened, I recognize that I am one of the lucky ones. I’ve heard from many who have also done well, and I’ve had a lot of conversations with people who weren’t as lucky. I will never take my health for granted, and I will always appreciate the professionalism, education, dedication, and caring of those in our health care system. I experienced our health care system much more closely than I ever expected. I have been doing a lot of thinking about that, and may write about it later. |
Paid and Volunteer RolesFollowing the election I started a term position with Build Nova Scotia. This is a great organization that is doing really good things for Nova Scotians, including building hospitals, a cancer center and doctor training school (both in Cape Breton), public housing, extending the internet to everywhere in Nova Scotia, getting cell towers built across Nova Scotia, and taking care of the Halifax, Lunenburg, and Peggy’s Cove waterfronts. My role was to review their systems from a finance, IT, and process perspective, and make recommendations for improvement. This built on my IT experience doing systems analysis, development, and project management, and also on my Council experience, including working with HRM’s Auditors General. Throughout my time with Build NS, I produced sets of recommendations that they are now working to implement. I have also jumped back in to the volunteer world and joined a number of organizations. These include:
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Trout Stocking at First LakeA few months ago, Doug Gamble with the Sackville Lions started a new project in partnership with the Sackville Rivers Association, the Friends of First Lake, and the Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association. On the morning of Saturday, May 23, we will be working together to stock First Lake with trout (the rain date is May 30). We are extending a warm welcome to all who are able to come and join us at the Kinsmen Beach for this. Along with many other community groups, we will have information displays and opportunities to connect with a lot of groups in our community. You can find the full size poster here: http://www.paulrussell.ca/wp-content/uploads/D589541-Sackville-Waters-Awareness-Day-Poster.594px.jpg Please come down and join us. We are looking forward to a fun and information filled day. |
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Sackville Volunteer Recognition DinnerOn Wednesday evening, April 29, the Lake District Recreation Association held their annual volunteer recognition dinner. This is my favourite evening of the year. Sackville has a long and proud history of volunteering, and it is always good to get together and celebrate their considerable work. At that dinner, we celebrated volunteers from 22 community groups. We also recognized Bruce Colborne as the Sackville Volunteer Of The Year. The complete list of groups and volunteers is:
Congratulations to all, and thank you for your service! |
May Food CalendarThe Cobequid Food Security Network / Cobequid Food Partners was formed a few years ago, and I’ve been a part of it since the beginning. Every month, we release a food calendar. You can download the full size version here: http://www.paulrussell.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026-05-Sackville-Food-Programs.jpg and see the most recent calendar on my web site here: http://www.paulrussell.ca |
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FoFL and SLPTA Joint AGMOn Wednesday, May 13, the Friends of First Lake and Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association are having a joint AGM at the Kinsmen Community Centre on First Lake Drive. Doors open at 6, and the meeting is planned to start at 7. All are welcome to join us. You can find the full size poster here: http://www.paulrussell.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026-SLPTA-FOFL-AGM-8.5×11-v2.jpg |
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Closing CommentsMy support of our community has continued, as demonstrated by the groups that I’m working with and this newsletter. There has been a lot of behind the scenes work with each group, and we have all made significant progress. I’m pleased with that, and plan to continue moving things forward to help our community. This newsletter is also a work in progress. I welcome comments and suggestions on what you would like to see more of, and on what you would like to see less of. I wish you well, and look forward to the next time we’re in touch. Paul |
