By Patti Sharpe
Since my last column, Smith’s Rite Stop (known locally as ‘Danny’s’ for its owner and operator Danny Smith) has closed its doors. Another victim of a dwindling rural economy, the building has housed a store in one form or another for almost 100 years. The closure leaves another building standing empty in Great Village and spells the end of another small, locally-run business. The property is for sale.
*****
There may have been some confusion as a result of my February column as to where and when Friday night crafting is happening in Great Village. ‘Something for Nothing’ happens once a month at the Great Village Fire Hall and the next such occasion is March 22 at 7 p.m.
On that evening, folks will have a chance to learn rug hooking and braiding or simply bring along whatever craft or project they wish to work on. There is no charge to take part. The group meets the following month on April 19 at the fire hall. On these evenings there are no crafts at the Community Centre. Contact Kathy Giles at 668-2613 for more information.
All other Friday nights (with the exception of March 29, Good Friday) crafters can get together at the Great Village Community Centre. On April 5 there will be an opportunity to try your hand at watercolour painting. Call Heather at 668-2501 to register for this night to ensure there are enough supplies for everyone.
There are a number of events taking place at the legion in the coming weeks.
Wheels to Meals happen on Tuesday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 19. If you enjoy old time music, be sure to attend Heartbeat Jamboree hosted by Sandra and Russell McCallum on Saturday, March 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. Donations for the legion will be accepted at the door.
Also plan to attend the delicious Sunday brunch on April 21, from 11 to 1 p.m., in support of the legion flood damage fund. The menu will include pancakes with maple syrup, sausages and bacon, scrambled eggs, beans, biscuits, ice cream for dessert and tea or coffee. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10.
******
The Great Village Garden Club invites anyone interested in learning basic gardening skills to an afternoon of gardening workshops to be held on Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. (rain date May 5) at the home of members Sybil and Pat Flemming, 64 Station Road, Great Village. Club members will be hosting approximately a dozen different workshops dealing with topics such as pruning (ornamentals and fruit trees), perennial division (free handouts), dahlia and gladiola growing tips, tool maintenance, water gardening basics and much more. The workshops will run concurrently, but attendees will have the option to move from one to another as they wish. This is to be an informal afternoon of gardening instruction outside so dress accordingly.
*****
Students in the area who have submitted artwork for the Elizabeth Bishop Society’s ‘Images of My Village’ banner project and online exhibition will be excited to learn that a winner has been selected. More information will be provided to your schools and the community at large, but be sure to reserve Saturday, May 18 for a celebration during which the new roadside banner for Great Village will be unveiled and the online exhibition of student artwork launched. The Elizabeth Bishop Society of Nova Scotia invites everyone for an exciting and fun-filled afternoon at the Great Village School gymnasium. More details to follow in my April column.
Patti Sharpe is a longtime resident of Great Village and actively involved in various organizations within her community. Send your news to her at sharpep@eastlink.ca.
