Sneak Peak at ‘Funtopia Indoor Playground and Cafe’, opening today!

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Kris

Funtopia Indoor Playground and Cafe Inc. could quite possibly be starting a fun revolution in Pictou County. Located in the Stellarton Industrial Park, Funtopia features the largest indoor playground in the area which is sure to put a smile on your child’s innocent face. It is not only geared as a fun meca for the youth of the county but it also caters to the adults that took them there, featuring a café and plenty of sitting room.

New Glasgow Talks was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at the inside of Funtopia during a dry run on the day before opening. I could go on and tell you about how large the playground is or talk about how the decor is a shock to the senses as your eyes go through color overload (that is a good thing), but instead I will present you with a video taken at Funtopia which speaks for itself by showcasing the laughter and excitement from their favourite clientèle:

Talking with Allison Wilson, co-owner of Funtopia Indoor Playground and Cafe Inc with her husband Trent, she went on to tell us about all of the features within their exciting new business:

I am Allison Wilson, my husband Trent Wilson and we are the owners of the business. Funtopia Indoor Playground and Cafe is ( an indoor playground ) that will offer speciality coffees, gourmet mini cheesecakes, and lots more. We are offering kiddie karate, kids zumba , and yoga and more to come in the future. The cafe is located inside the building with the playground, and the public is welcome to stop in for a quick snack. We are selling Sing Your Name products such as music CD’s , alarm clocks, teddy bears that have songs with the kids name recorded on them. We are also selling items from pegs posh and pretty., tutus hairbands etc. The playground will hold 80 kids and is made in Canada. It has slides, tunnels and a bridge. We are going to be open on March 12th. People can call us at 695-4fun, or email funtopia@hotmail.ca or via our Facebook page. We take reservations for large groups, birthdays, schools etc. The cost is $7.00 for kids over the age of 2. For under two it is $2.00. We offer a ten pass for $50.00, and family rates of $15.00 for 3-5 kids.

So if you happen to have a day when you are struggling to come up with a fun activity to do with your child or children, why not do them and yourself a favour by taking them to Funtopia.

Kris

Local homeless shelter “LifeShelter” ready for paint, but still in need of volunteers

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Kris

One of the most humbling projects taking place in New Glasgow at the moment has to be the creation of a homeless shelter in the LifeCenter located at 189 Marsh St. The LifeShelter Community Outreach as the very inspiring project is known, is well into the construction phase and I was fortunate enough to talk briefly with Reverend Keith Hazzard of the LifeCenter to get a little update on the shelters status:

1. Who are you, what is your role with the LifeShelter?

Rev. Hazzard: My name is Rev. Keith Hazzard. I am an Associate Pastor with The LifeCenter, and also the Executive Director of the LifeShelter Community Outreach (which includes our 3-day a week community breakfast program and the new emergency shelter)

Photo of main room in shelter.

2. a) How is the construction coming along for the shelter?

Rev. Hazzard: It is coming along great. We were significantly slowed down by some fire separation issues that the inspectors required, but with the assistance of a dedicated group of volunteers we have that job almost done. We are now cleaning up, and getting ready to paint.

b) Are you open for business now/currently housing people, if not, when will you be open?

Rev. Hazzard: We cannot open until the building inspector gives us the OK. As I mentioned, the fire separation issues have slowed us down. We are hoping to be open soon though.

3. a) Do you still need additional volunteers?

Rev. Hazzard: We have had a very good response to our call for volunteers, but there is still room to get involved. We especially need male volunteers.

Bob MacPhee, a volunteer working in the shelter staff room.

b) How can people apply/contact you?

Rev. Hazzard: We can be contacted by email at: lifecenter@eastlink.ca or they can call The LifeCenter at 752-1827.

4. Are you still accepting donations at http://www.lifeshelter.ca/ and is there other ways people may donate to the project? Do you have a goal you need to reach, if so, how close are you?

Rev. Hazzard: We will gladly accept donations via the website you mentioned. A donor can print off a receipt right off the website.

5. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Rev. Hazzard: We really appreciate all of the community support that we have received for this project. It has been a lot of work, but the community has contributed so much, and we are very appreciative.

Such a noble initiative as this needs to be applauded. It is because of Rev. Hazzard and his team of volunteers and supporters that I am proud to say I live in Pictou County. On the off chance you or a loved one may one day find yourselves down on your luck and without a roof over your head, you can take heed in knowing that it is because of people like these you will not be ignored and left out in the rain.

If you would like to give back to this project, please contact the LifeCenter by emailing lifecenter@eastlink.ca or call 752-1827 to volunteer some of your time. Also be sure you visit their website and like their Facebook page.

Kris

Salt truck collides into house on Chesnut St. in Trenton (Video)

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Kris

A view of the salt truck and house after it was towed out.

A salt truck collided into a house on Chesnut Street in Trenton this morning. New Glasgow Police were called to the scene at around 10:10am and responded along with the local Fire Department and Nova Scotia Power. There was one person in the house at the time, but neither her, nor the driver of the truck were injured. The driver coming down Chesnut lost control of his vehicle and then collided into the front of the house causing extensive damage. The vehicle has since been towed away from the scene by MacCulloch’s Truck Services Ltd. and the police continue to investigate the accident.

Although the the accident is still under investigation, this is another reminder that you need to execute caution when driving in snowy conditions. Take care out there, the roads are very slippery.

Kris

Additional Photos:

The White Lotus and beyond, an interview with business owner Cindy Hemphill

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Joy

Born and raised in Pictou County, current resident Cindy Hemphill (born Cindy Rorison) opened The White Lotus store in New Glasgow seven years ago and has been providing unique/diverse products and services aimed toward wellness for the mind, body, and spirit ever since. In addition to being a business owner, Cindy also has vast experience working with astrology, crystals, and tarot cards. In the interview below, Cindy gives us a peek into what we can expect to find at her store and some insight on topics like astrology, tarot cards, and crystals.

1. How long have you lived in Pictou County?

Cindy: Born and raised…though my family, like many maritimers, spent a few years in Toronto when Dad needed to find work. Also, as a young adult on my own, I lived in NB for a little over a year and I also lived in Truro for a few years.

2. What did you do before opening the White Lotus?

Cindy: I have a varied background. I spent most of my younger working years in the restaurant industry. I have always been creative, had a few things published, and a bit of training, so I taught night classes on Writing for Children with Professor Sheldon Curry (St.F.X.) at the Community College in Stellarton. I later took over that class for 2 years as the main teacher. Probably due to that, I got a job at CKEC as a creative writer / editor – for commercials and radio content. However, even back then I had a bit of entrepreneurial spirit and decided to leave there and open a place called Wizards Pizza out in Salt Springs. Loved that! Spent about 4 years doing this but my children were becoming older and needed more guidance…and not a mom who worked most nights. In addition, my husband got tired of being alone on the weekend nights. So I sold Wizards and went back to radio, where I stayed for about 10 years before opening the White Lotus.

3. What sort of products do you sell at the White Lotus?

Cindy: Products that are tools for your well-being mentally, spiritual, physically. So herbs for the body, books to open your mind, CD’s for meditation, chakra supplies to help you spiritually, spiritual books, etc.

4. What seems to be your best sellers?

Cindy: Right now I’d have to say the medicinal herbs and natural skin care. People are interested in getting back to natural care that doesn’t leave them loaded with chemicals.

5. What is your customer base like (age, sex, type of interest: health, spiritual, etc)?

Cindy: Big topic here…. age is MOSTLY 40 to 60, but we have all ages interested. People are searching for answers – the younger group especially (up to 40) and there is a lot of interest in crystals. From 40 to 60 there is a big interest in meditation, staying well, looking good, very open-minded and looking to satisfy a wider interest. After 60, there is more of an interest in health.

6. You also have additional services/classes/readings offered at the White Lotus by appointment…can you tell me a little about what you offer?

Cindy: It may be a crystal healing class or a workshop of past life regression or how to contact your angels. Different readers come into the store occasionally to read past lives, tea leaves, talk to spirit, tarot cards, palms, and other means of gaining answers from a more spiritual realm that what we walk in every day.

7. Do you have any upcoming special events or guests coming to the White Lotus?

Cindy: Sometimes these events are short notice but right now, we have Angela coming next week for How to Heal with Crystals and in April there is a man coming from B.C on how to connect with past lives.

8. You have a background in Astrology, how did you get started with this?

Cindy: I was very young when I first became interested in Astrology. It was probably around the age of 12 when I understood what a Sun Sign was. From there it’s been a lifelong love of learning this skill…and it does take a LONG time and lots of patience!

9. How does Astrology work?

Cindy: It’s a bit complicated to explain in a few lines but it depends on what energy the planets were sending you when you were born.

10. What sorts of things can you tell a person via an Astrology reading?

Cindy: Almost everything!

11. In addition to Astrology, you are also an expert in crystals, how did you get started with crystals?

Cindy: I don’t know if I’d call myself an expert at anything! I was older when I became interested but I’ve always loved and collected rocks of different sorts. Since then, it’s just a matter of collecting, learning, and loving! Much of this is self-taught and much of it should be, as it is how the crystals tune themselves to you.

12. What do crystals do? How do they work?

Cindy: A bit long to answer but each has a subtle energy that can work within your energy / electromagnetic field.

13. Do you sell crystals at the White Lotus?

Cindy: TONS! Sometimes to geologists because we bring in rare and unusual pieces that they want to see. We sell to people who use them personally and also to people who use them for healing (Reiki practitioners and such). There are also people who just think they are pretty.

14. Do you have a favourite crystal? Why?

Cindy: Oh my goodness, that’s like asking if you have just one favourite person in the whole world. I have favourites in FAMILIES of crystals and even then it’s hard to be too selective. I love lapiz lazuli and you can’t beat just a plain piece of crystal quartz.

15. You are also a Tarot Card Reader, how did you get started with Tarot Cards?

Cindy: I’ve always liked the idea of them and have been to many readers. I used them with my astrology at first as an additional tool but they didn’t really SPEAK to me on their own. It was not until I got the deck that I have now and somehow they just opened me up; I could literally hear them tell me things and give up their secrets.

16. How do Tarot Cards work? What can they tell us?

Cindy: They work on the energy around you RIGHT NOW, so they differ very much from astrology. They can be very accurate but again they have a different parameter depending on YOUR energies, that you are drawing NOW. I guess in some ways you are always shaping your own tarot read.

17. Do you have any new plans or changes coming for the White Lotus that you would like to share?

Cindy: It’s been constantly changing and growing since I opened. I am searching right now – waiting to see what way spirit moves me next in business – a few vague ideas, but nothing concrete yet.

You can locate the White Lotus Store at 166 Provost Street, New Glasgow or contact them at 695-3025. Also, visit their regularly updated Facebook Page or The White Lotus official website for more information. Lastly, you can request (via Facebook message or website) to be part of their emailing list, which will make you privy to announcements on new products arriving, sales, and who/when visitors are coming to provide services at the store.

-Joy

Meet Joel MacNeil… Pictou County’s latest rising star, and he is only fifteen!

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Kris

Joel MacNeil, Pictou County's newest rising star.

If you happened to tune into the Pictou County Telethon this year you may have been blown away by the talent on hand. One particular singer that hit all of the right notes was fifteen year old Joel MacNeil. Aside from the telethon, Joel has also been on YTV, East Coast FM and has a large following on YouTube, yet somehow until recently I had not even heard of him.

Check him out on the 2011 Pictou County Christmas Fund telethon singing a cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You”, accompanied by Craig MacEachren and Dan Baird:

The following is a Q&A interview I conducted with Joel to shed a little light on this future phenomenon:

1. First of all, how old are you?

Joel: 15 years old

2. Where do you go to school?

Joel: Grade 10 at North Nova Education Center

3. At what age did you get into music?

Joel: I started singing as far back as I can remember. I started playing percussion in School bands in the 4th grade.

4. When did you realize you had a talent for singing?

Joel: I don’t know when I actually realized, I just sing because I enjoy to sing and really enjoy all avenues of music.

5. Do you play any instruments? How/when did you learn to play them?

Joel: I took piano for 2 years when I was in elementary school and still try and play a little. I started playing percussion in grade 4 and continued through grade 9 playing in School bands. This year I have been playing, Saxophone and Percussion with the NNEC Concert and Jazz Bands as well as I am learning to play guitar.

6. When did you first publicly sing/perform?

Joel: The first time I actually sang a solo was at AG Baillie elementary school in grade 2. Mrs. Miller, our music teacher asked me to sing at a Christmas assembly in front of all the students and staff. I sang “Somewhere In My Memory” from Home Alone.

7. What came first, YouTube or YTV?

Joel: YouTube

a. Briefly tell me about your experience on YouTube (i.e. What kind of reception did you get? Did you gain a following? Has it been a big part of your success thus far?).

Joel McNeil and his friend Luke MacDonald after accepting an award

A friend of mine, Luke MacDonald, and I entered a talent show at the Pictou Exibition in September 2010 and we won first place, so just for fun, we put the video of our performance on Youtube and it went over really well, so I decided to set up my own YouTube Channel and post a couple of my own videos. I have family that live away who never get a chance to see me sing, so YouTube allows them to see some of the Performances that I have done. Overall, the feedback has been very positive and I’ve gotten invitations to perform locally at different events because of someone who may have seen one of my video’s on YouTube.

b. Briefly tell me about what, why, how of being on YTV.

Joel: I heard about “The Next Star” auditions coming to Halifax and thought it would be fun to try it so, I went to Halifax, May 2011 and auditioned for YTV’s “the Next Star” . The Next Star is an open national singing competition for 15 years and younger and I was fortunate to have been called back as a Regional Finalist and was asked to sing Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” for the celebrity judges, who in turn gave me some very positive feedback. There are some clips of my audition and comments from the judges featured on Episode 3 of the TV series,“The Next Star”.

I was also selected as 1 of 6 finalists chosen from across Canada in YTV’s “the Next Star” Virtual contest from an audition tape that I submitted.

8. Briefly tell me about any media coverage, invites to perform, etc you have received.

Joel: I took private voice lessons from Janice Alcorn for a couple of years and she has been a big help with my music, she’s a great teacher. The past 2 years I performed in the annual Music Festival, held here in New Glasgow and both years I was recognized as one of the “Stars of the Festival” and won individual awards for Promising Voice and “outstanding” Junior performer in Musical Theatre. I have performed the past 2 years on the Pictou County Christmas Fund Telethon and a “shout out” to Ann MacGregor, ECFM for inviting me to perform on ECFM Radio Relay and from that I was invited to join the band Mendiva on stage at the outdoor Relay for Life in Parkdale, which was lots of fun. Craig MacEachern has helped me out a lot with my music and anytime I’ve needed someone to play guitar for me, he’s been there , he’s awesome. Dan Baird, John Muirhead and Evan Curley have also given their time to help me out, which I greatly appreciate. I got to join Craig and some of his friends on stage at the New Glasgow Downtown Christmas Tree lighting this year and now I’m looking forward to Craig and I doing a couple of songs at the Heart N’ Home Roots for Youth fundraiser, taking place at Glasgow Square, February 14th. My music keeps me very busy, I’m a member of the NNEC Concert and Jazz Bands as well as the Jazz choir and I am presently rehearsing for my roles in this years NNEC big production of Les Miserables.

9. Do friends your fellow students treat you differently/look at you as a celebrity?

Relay 4 Radio 2011 on ECFM (Joel McNeil and Friends)

Relay 4 Radio 2011 on East Coast FM

Joel: I don’t consider myself a celebrity and my friends are my friends because of who I am, Joel. A lot of my friends are also in music and we all support each other. I just sing for no other reason other than, I love music.

10. Have you recorded any music professionally/are you working on a CD?

Joel: No, but if I was every given the chance, I would love to.

11. Do you intend to pursue music as a career when you finish school?

Joel: I’m undecided at this time, just having fun with it.

12. Do you write/perform any original music?

Joel: I play around with it but not anything I’m ready to share.

13. What artists do you like to cover?

Joel: Bruno Mars, Adele, Michael Jackson

14. Who is your favorite band/singer? Who is your biggest inspiration?

Joel: All Time Low, Queen are two of my favorite bands. My favorite
Singer and biggest inspiration has to be Michael Jackson.

15. How can people find out more about you?

Joel: Just ask my mother, kidding

16. Is there anything you would like to add?

Joel: Music is only 1 of my interests, I love sports as well. I play and referee hockey, golf, ski and wakeboard.

Joel already has the talent and apparently a good head on his shoulders, so with the support of Pictou County and a little hard work, there is no stopping him on his road to success.

If you would like to hear more from Joel MacNeil, check out his YouTube page and be sure to subscribe.

Kris

There is a lot to get excited about with the new Pictou County Wellness Centre

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Kris

With so many construction projects taking place in Pictou County recently, it is hard to keep track of them all. One large structure being built across from Exit 23 on the corner of Westville Road and MacGregor Avenue Extension however is hard to miss when you are driving through the county.

Pictou County Wellness Centre on January 22, 2012

The Pictou County Wellness Centre, which is comparable to the Truro Civic Centre and the Lunenburg Lifestyle Centre in size and scope, is really starting to take shape with most of the work being done by Bird Construction. Getting to this phase has taken a mammoth effort by both those under the hard hats, as well as those behind the scenes. Fundraising and donations have been key to securing the funds required to build such a cutting edge complex and as of September 26, 2011, the PCWC Committee announced funds raised to that date totalled $6.6 million dollars! On that date the committee also kicked off their community campaign and in an interview with New Glasgow Talks, Nicole LeBlanc, Fundraising and Communications Manager for the PC Wellness Centre, described the large undertaking:

The community campaign team compromised of Community Campaign Co-chairs George and Shirley Manos; Seat Sale Chair Gerald Green; Community Events Coordinator Suzanne Walsh and representing our Youth Committee is Mike Roper who is the Chair of the Youth Committee. They’ve been focused on promoting the Centre, campaign and awareness. We launched Event-in-a-bag kits where parties interested in hosting a fundraising event for the wellness centre can get one of these kits that includes guidelines, information on our Take-a-seat campaign and other goodies. The Take-a-seat campaign has also been going quite well with the naming rights to seats in the arenas available for sponsorship ranging from $100-$5,000. We also offer gift certificates which have been quite popular as they make a wonderful gift for that hard to shop for person on your holiday list or a nice way to honour or leave a legacy in memory of someone special.

So what does this mean for me?

When you enter the Pictou County Wellness Centre for the first time, you will be presented with a beautiful 30′ high central atrium. This new atrium will be flooded with natural sunlight during the day and will act as a gateway to all of the facilities amenities. You will be able to access the Arena complex through the south side, while the pool, gymnasium and central YMCA administration will be found on the north side. Washrooms, a canteen, ticket sales, as well as a community gathering room will also be accessible by the atrium.

Want more? How does an NHL sized arena with seating for 1,600 sound? During concerts and special events, the floor of that arena can also accommodate an additional 1,175 people. Tack on top of that an additional NHL rink with seating for 144 and you have a world class centre to play sports and watch performances. This twin-pad feature is designed to allow for ice sports to continue while the other surface is used for events and conferences. The ice surfaces will also be served by ten public dressing rooms which include two that are barrier-free, as well as private dressing rooms for the Junior and Midget club teams.

Additionally those who currently have or who have ever considered purchasing a YMCA membership will be happy to know that the “Y” will be relocating within the walls of the Wellness Centre and stocking the place with brand new state of the art equipment. The new YMCA will also be offering a full day licensed YMCA childcare centre that will be capable of accommodating up to 60 children from various age groups. If that wasn’t enough, there will be three new pools for people of all ages including a six lane, 25 meter training pool, a leasure pool, as well as a swirl pool/hot tub. The old facility will be closing and they are currently looking at other options for the location.

In all, it means soon you will have a ground breaking complex available at your disposal to enhance your social, recreational and athletic pursuits. It will be a facility unlike any other in Pictou County and will be a meeting ground for sports, first class concerts, and much more. The Pictou County Wellness Centre committee also hopes it will “further the region’s status as a desirable place to live and work”.

According to Nicole, construction is still on track and the Wellness Centre will be opening in late 2012. If you are not excited yet, trust me, you will be when the doors open later this year. Pictou County is filled with a lot of pride when it comes to our food, our home grown talent, and our community in general. Soon we will have one more thing added to that list to be proud of.

Be sure to like the Pictou County Wellness Centre’s Facebook page to keep up-to-date on construction, fundraising, and more.

Kris

Additional:

: Pictou County Wellness Centre on January 22, 2012

Behind the operations of Glasgow Square Theatre, home of the Jubilee….. an interview with Carlton Munroe

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Joy

A view from the stage during a performance at the New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee

Some of you may remember Carlton Munroe as a longtime local radio contributor but his current position requires him to work behind the scenes coordinating/managing some of New Glasgow’s most popular musical performances/events. See below for an interview with Carlton, where he gives you the inside scoop on what goes into the planning of such events and provides us a sneak peak of what’s to come.

1. First of all, people may recognize the name Carlton Munroe…..where do we know you from?

Carlton: I spent 15 years in radio prior to my current gig, both as News Director and as creator and producer of East Coast Road Trip, an east coast music magazine show for radio, with interviews, live performance and tracks from upcoming and established artists from around the region.

2. What is your current position?

Carlton: I am Programs and Events Manager for the Town Of New Glasgow, Manager of Glasgow Square Theatre and Executive Director of the New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee.

3. What do your responsibilities entail?

Carlton: I work with groups, organizations or individuals responsible for festivals and events that take place on Town owned facilities to ensure all their needs are met. I also work with the various departments within the Town to co-ordinate any in-house services provided for the event.

I also manage the day to day operations of Glasgow Square. This has been a challenging yet rewarding role, as we are now creating programming at the Square that is establishing the venue as a place people want to go to for entertainment and culture. We just completed a successful fall and holiday season of programming that saw sellouts and memorable performances from the likes of Matt Andersen, Nikki Payne, Ghostrider and the Allied Horns, Bruce Guthro and Dylan Guthro, JP Cormier and others.

Rawlins Cross at the Glasgow Square Theatre in New Glasgow, N.S.

4. How long have you been in this position?

Carlton: I took this position in January of 2009.

5. Can you describe some of the planning that goes into delivering an event at Glasgow Square?

Carlton: Once a show is booked, a marketing plan is identified and created for that particular performance. Keeping an eye on ticket sales throughout the promo period is crucial, and determines any changes to the marketing plan, especially in the week or two before a performance. Logistical details such as technical and hospitality riders are worked out prior to the show, and a day of show schedule is produced to encompass load-in sound check and performance components. And then it’s coordinating our amazing volunteers at Glasgow Square who look after taking tickets at the door, bar services, usher, merchandise and the Green Room.

6. How many people does it require to put on the New Glasgow Jubilee (summer)?

Carlton: I work with a Board of Directors, consisting of 10 dedicated volunteers. Then of course there are the 300 or so other volunteers who fill crucial roles such as ticket attendants, beverage tickets, beer tent, merchandise sales, stage, Green Room and other areas.

7. How do you go about acquiring the talent for your events?

Carlton: Having an idea what works for your target market is first and foremost. Events at the Square differ from Jubilee weekend, but then of course there are some artists that work well in both. I work with artist management and booking agents for the more established performer, and for the emerging performers locally and in the region, I will work directly with the artist. I am an active member of Music Nova Scotia, East Coast Music Association and Atlantic Presenters Association, so I try to keep up to date on the progress of our region’s performers, and with other venues/festivals to sometimes block book shows when it makes sense.

8. Do you/your team assist with the planning for events like benefits and weddings?

Carlton: From a logistical standpoint, yes we do. My Venue Assistant Janine Linthorne works closely with wedding rentals to ensure their special day is a successful and stress free one. With benefit rentals, she and I again will work closely with the booking.

9. What events do you have coming up at Glasgow Square for Winter/Spring 2012? Please describe each event.

Christina Martin performing at the Glasgow Square Theatre in New Glasgow, N.S.

Carlton: In the coming months we have a number of great events at the Square…on February 13^th, Canadian folk icon Bruce Cockburn takes to the stage, and there are still tickets available for that one. The following day, Valentine’s Day, Pictou County Roots for Youth present Heart and Home for Youth, a fundraiser featuring performers such as Fleur Mainville, Molly Thomason, Jim Dorie and others.

In March, we have a major country music show that will be announced later this month, then in April and May we team up with the Celtic Circle in New Glasgow to present the second annual Music Shapes New Glasgow subscription series – 4 shows , two at each venue to showcase the unique aspects of both performance centres.

On June 30^th it’s New Glasgow’s Pre-Canada Day Party on the grounds and outdoor stage of the Square. July 27 and 28 it’s the Dragon Boat Festival, and of course the 17^th annual Jubilee will be staged August 3-5^th.

There will be more events that will come up as well I’m sure…best to keep watch on our website www.glasgowsquare.com or Facebook.

We also have a regular newsletter that goes out…give us a call or drop me a line and we will add you to our list.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Carlton: We always love to hear feedback on shows, what you like, what you didn’t like, what you would like to see in the future. We are always looking for volunteers for both the Jubilee and Square as well.

On a final note…don’t miss what is sure to be another popular New Glasgow event…this weekend’s Jubilee in January! This event will be taking place at Glasgow Square on Saturday, January 14^th at 8pm. Doors will open at 7pm and tickets are available at Glasgow Square, Big Al’s, Atlantic Ticket Pro Outlets, Online at ticketpro.ca or by calling 1-888-311-9090.

Joy

Comedian Peter White is coming home for Christmas (PG-13 Interview)

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Kris

The always funny and very talented Peter White will be spending his Christmas with friends and family here in Pictou County where he grew up. While in town, Peter will also be performing stand-up with fellow local comedian Peter Anthony at the Dock on December 21st. I have known Peter for a long time and he graciously agreed to do an interview with me for New Glasgow Talks. Please note because of a few choice swear words, this interview should be considered PG-13. So if you are offended by expletive language this is your warning not to read on.

Introduction:

Where and what did you study in University?

I took electrical and computer engineering at StFX and Dal. If I could go back in time and do it all over again I would not take electrical and computer engineering at StFX and Dal.

Following University, where were you working?

I worked for a small software company in Halifax called Diaphonics. It doesn’t exist anymore. I don’t think that has anything to do with me.

When/How/Where did you get into stand-up comedy?
Peter White doing stand-up.

I did standup for the first time in Calgary in 2005. I was on an engineering internship, which if you’ve never tried is one of the 4 most boring things on the planet to do. I always loved stand up and thought I might be able to do it, so I went and watched an amateur night at Yuk Yuks in Calgary, and a lot of the guys were so bad that there was no way I could be worse. I signed up for the day before I left the city, so that if it went awful I could just leave town and no one would ever know that I tried it. It went ok.

What was your first paying gig?

Christmas 2005 I got my first paying gig, doing 15 minutes at a company’s party for $150. I had only been doing comedy for a few months and I didn’t have 15 minutes and I didn’t deserve $150. I sucked. They’ve never booked me again.

How long did it take you to realize comedy was your true calling?

I’ve never realized anything was my true calling because if I ever felt myself saying the words “true calling” I’d punch myself in the nuts. I hate that phrase. I tell jokes, it’s fun.

When did you start doing it full time?

I’ve been doing it “full time” off and on for about 4 years. It’s such an inconsistent job that sometimes you have to pick up other work. I’ve spent a lot of the time the last few years writing for TV while doing stand up.

How much of your act is influenced by experiences in your life?

Most of it is at least semi-biographical. A lot of it is looking at situations that happened and then thinking about how much better they could be, then pretending that happened. I spend a lot of time lying to myself and pretending my life is more interesting than it is. It’s not healthy, but it’s fun.

Would you like to add anything?

Brendan Fraser is a shitty actor.

Notoriety

What was your first big break?

Well, it’s weird, because every time you think you have a big break you realize that still no one knows you. The first kind of hype I got was from CBC radio, who named me one of the “Top 5 up and coming comics in Canada” in 2006, which is a neat title until you remember you can’t pay rent with it. I’ve been pretty lucky since then, and have had a series of pretty cool things happen.

How did you get involved with 22 Hours, can you tell me more about it?

The first thing I can tell you is that it’s called 22 Minutes. I got the job writing for them when I did a show with the executive producer, a great comic named Mark Farrell who might find this when he googles his own name. He was nice enough to give me a job, and I’m forever grateful and will suck up in any interview that I think he might accidentally find someday.

What kind of travelling has stand-up comedy enabled you to do?

It’s been great for that, I’ve seen pretty much everywhere in Canada thanks to it. Even the places you never want to see. I’m talking to you Red Deer, Alberta and Saint John, New Brunswick. Next step is to see the rest of the world. I’m heading to London, England in a few months, so hopefully that goes well.

Can you tell me about your Halifax talk show?

Two summers ago I wrote/directed/hosted a talk show in Halifax that drained my soul and bank account. It was a good experience, but a lot of work. We made some stuff that I’m proud of, and a lot of things I’m not proud of. You can judge some of the stuff here: http://www.youtube.com/user/llapw

What TV appearances have you made?

This is a screenshot from Peter's appearance on A&E's Bag of Bones.
Hm. I’ve been on that thing a few times. I was on 6 (I think?) episodes of The Halifax Comedy Festival, two episodes of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, CTV and the Comedy Network’s Comedy Now, a few commercials, and I had a few lines with Pierce Brosnan in A&E’s “Bag of Bones” that came out last week.

You had a special on Comedy Network, can you tell me more about that?

It was a cool experience. They slap a bunch of makeup on you and then put you in front of 500 people and tape you telling jokes for an hour in front of an inexplicably orange backdrop. They showed the full hour on the Comedy Network, and then a 30 minute “clean” version on CTV. It’s nice, because it’s the only outlet in Canada to put a full set of yours on TV. And since it’s on the comedy network at least 12 people saw it. I haven’t watched it yet, but I hear I look silly. You can watch it here: http://www.thecomedynetwork.ca/Shows/ComedyNow?videoPackage=84081

Have you reached out to the internet as a comedic outlet?

In some ways. When I originally conceived the talk show idea, the plan was to broadcast it online. That was a lot of work, so we put up clips. I spent a year writing sketches and articles for This Hour Has 22 Minutes website. Ah… so basically no, I haven’t really. I should do that. Can you do that for me?

What is coming up for you, are you working on any big projects?

I’m working on a lot of things that will probably never exist. I’m developing a feature film with a producer in Toronto that will likely never be made, and pitching a few TV shows around. I’m moving to London which isn’t really a project but has a better chance of being real than most of the other things.

Would you like to add anything?

I wash my hands with cold water due to an irrational fear of burning myself.

Coming Home

How many times have you performed in Pictou County?

A lot. 8?

How do you feel about performing in front of people you know?

The toughest part is that there are a lot of people who come out every time, which is awesome, but it’s hard to have new material for every show. I do my best, but I feel bad when I don’t.

Do you find yourself modifying/censoring any parts of your act in front of your hometown audience?

Everyone who knows me has already judged me enough in life that it doesn’t matter what they hear me say onstage. I mention pizza more I guess.

You have performed in front of large audiences, how does that compare to smaller/more intimate venues like The Dock?

It’s a completely different feeling. I like all the shows we’ve done at the dock, it’s a very small, intimate room and it tends to be a lot more fun than the bigger rooms.

Do you stay in Pictou County with family for the holidays?

I do. I try to make it home as much as possible, which is hard with all the travel. This year I get to be home for over a week, which is really nice.

What do you enjoy the most about coming home?

I like seeing my family, and getting away from everything and relaxing, and anything else I can think of that keeps me from saying pizza.

For someone that knows nothing about Peter Anthony what can you tell me about him?
"A Very Peter Christmas" featuring Peter White and Peter Anthony at The Dock in New Glasgow on December 21, 2011.

Pete’s an amazing comic, originally from Pictou (where you may have known him as Peter Reid). He’s a guy I looked up to a lot starting out, and still do, and I’m really excited that we’ll be doing this show together. You can see more of him here: http://peteranthony.net/

Have the two of you done stand-up together before?

I’ve been lucky enough to do a few shows with him, but not nearly enough. He’s one of my favourites to watch. So even if I wasn’t on this show I’d go watch.

Would you like to add anything?

I really don’t like black socks.

What would you rather

Acropole or Sam’s? Additional thoughts?

I was always a sam’s guy. But I accidentally ordered from Acropole in Westville last time I was home, and it was amazing. Though after living away for a long time I’ll take anything.

Riverfront Jubilee or the Pictou Lobster Carnival? Additional thoughts?

Jubilee for sure. I got to host it for a day a few years ago when they had Blue Rodeo. It was a great time.

Highland Square Mall or Aberdeen Mall? Additional thoughts?

The Aberdeen Mall still exists? That makes me sad.

Melmerby Beach or Park Falls? Additional thoughts?

I couldn’t find Park Falls if you paid me.

If you could spend the day with a local (Pictou County) celebrity, who would it be? Additional thoughts? (examples. Peter MacKay, John Hamm, JD Fortune, George Canyon, Dave Gunning, Colin White, John Simms, Joey MacDonald, Fleur Mainville, etc)

Myself and a few friends did a show for a fundraiser with the local NHL guys, along with a few others this summer, and it was a blast. They were the nicest guys and showed us a great time. Also I’m pretty sure Peter MacKay hates me.

Would you like to add anything?

You ask a lot of questions.

Additional

Can people buy advanced tickets for your show at the Dock?

Every other year we did advanced tickets, but this year I’m not able to get home until the day of the show, so we’ll only be selling them at the door.

How many seats are available for your show?

We’ve squeezed 100 in there before, but it was pretty tight. So maybe 80?

Where can people go to find out more about you/do you have a website or Facebook page?

They can add me on facebook, I don’t have a website yet because I’m the least professional person possible. Or they can ask my dad, they probably know him.

If you have never seen Peter White perform, here is a small sample of his work from his hysterical Comedy Now special:

It is amazing the variety of talent this community produces, and Peter White is just another prime example. To see Peter’s full set, (which trust me, is gut splitting) you can watch him and Peter Anthony perform at ‘The Dock’ in New Glasgow on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are available at the door. More information can be found on their Facebook event page.

Kris

Mamatsu is a fresh Asian kitchen that is surprisingly healthy too

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Kris

Recently a new restaurant called Mamatsu has opened its doors on Provost Street. You might have noticed it right next to Baked Inc with it’s eye catching sign on the front of the building, but if you are like me you may have been wondering, what kind of restaurant is it?

Mamatsu, is the brain child of Howell He. It is a Fresh Asian Kitchen as it says on their sign, but more specifically they offer Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Indian dishes. The name Mamatsu was actually inspired by Howell’s mother who’s last name is Tsu. He, along with his mother and father, designed the menu together and do all of the cooking in the kitchen.

Howell moved from China to Canada nine years ago to attend University and now splits his time working at both the Sobeys Head Office and Mamatsu. Howell may be a Financial Analyst by trade, but it was his dream to open a restaurant that offered healthy, tasty and reasonably priced food. Howell told me in an interview, “Our restaurant offers healthy food with fresh ingredients. We don’t have a deep fryer in our kitchen”.

At the time of this writing the restaurant has not been open for two weeks yet, but Howell told me the reception by New Glasgow residents so far has been primarily very positive and they have been hearing a lot of good feedback. In the future, some of their goals include expanding their Sushi and produce offerings. They are also focused on improving the quality and efficiency of their service. When asked what they consider their signature dish, he told me their specialty is “Dan Dan Noodle” and “Pan Seared Dumplings”.

If you would like to visit Mamatsu to try one of their delicious fresh food offerings yourself, you can find it at 205 Provost Street. If you prefer to take your food home with you, their take-out number is 755-6601 and their hours of operation are Monday to Saturday: 11am to 7pm, and Sunday : 4pm to 7pm.

You can also find Mamatsu Fresh Asian Kitchen on Facebook and as an added bonus, the fan who has the most Facebook friends to also like their page will win a $10 gift certificate. The draw to win a gift certificate takes place every Friday at 5pm.

On a personal note from my experience eating at Mamatsu, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was relaxing. It had an overall feeling of a big city restaurant. The food was delivered quickly, the food portions were large and the prices were surprisingly very reasonable. If you like spicy food, I would recommend you try their Red Curry but be prepared to finish your entire drink. The Sushi Sampler’s were also top notch. For an ‘out of town’ experience while staying ‘in town’, you can not go wrong with Mamatsu. Try it yourself and let me know in the comment section what ‘you’ think.

Kris

Mamatsu Fresh Asian Kitchen Menu (Downloadable PDF Version):