Playground Family Fun: Rotary Park Wolfville
Playground Family Fun: Rotary Park Wolfville
There are so many great places to play in the Annapolis Valley! So, we intend to make our way across and let you know about the various playgrounds, telling you the best features and other important information about each one of them! Today, we are featuring Wolfville’s Rotary Park!
Built in 1925, the Kipawo is a historic passenger and freight ferry built to operate in the Bay of Fundy, operating between Kingsport, Parrsboro and Wolfville – hence the name: Ki-Pa-Wo.
Now the ship has been grounded and transformed into the Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro!
The legend of the Kipawo lives on, especially in Wolfville’s Rotary Park. This playground takes the Kipawo to a new level!
Here, in Wolfville’s Rotary Park, kids can let their imaginations soar — or float, as they pretend they are sailing the seas in this wooden playground designed to represent the Kipawo.
The equipment
There is one structure at this playground with multiple slides, levels, and ways to board the ship.
There are no swings, and everything is attached to this one structure.
Also on site are tennis courts and a soccer field.
Babies and Toddlers
There is no baby equipment, and toddlers might need help climbing up on to the structure. But, once up there, they will have lots of fun playing with the various elements!
Shade, Benches and Tables
There is a lot of everything in this park. Big chairs to sit in, benches to relax on, and tables for picnics! Lots of shady spots to cool down in, too!
Accessibility
There are no accessible components to this playground. The surface is gravel, and there is a step up to get into the playground area.
Inside are lots of levels to negotiate.
Amenities
There are public washrooms on site with flush toilets and running water. These may be locked at certain times of the year or day, so do not assume they are available.
Favourite features
We love how the town has incorporated local history into this unique structure. It also is so great for imaginative play! And, if older children happen to have a soccer game here, there is somewhere for the younger children to play!
Location
The best way to access the park is from Orchard Ave, but there are points on Victoria Ave and King Street, too.
2019 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
2019 Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
June 29 – July 6, 2019 Scotiabank Centre, Halifax
*Disclosure: Our family received ticket to attend the media preview show of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in exchange for telling you about this year’s upcoming show. We are huge fans of the Tattoo, so all opinions are our own.*
The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is back, and there’s no need for a babysitter – it’s toe-tapping, side-splitting, you-won’t-believe-your-eyes entertainment for the whole family!
If’ you’ve never been before, or if you’ve been many times before, every year the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is worth attending!
Here is the great lineup you can expect:
Black Diamond DrillDance Team – This Australian drill dance team made it all the way to the semi-finals of Australia’s Got Talent and now they’re bringing their feathery, frilly, frolicking routine to Halifax.
Chicago Wheel JAM by Cirques Experience – This Chicago-based troupe is bringing a splash of the circus to Halifax. The group’s leader, Wolfgang Bientzle, has won several World Champion, European and German National titles, and has appeared with Cirque du Soleil, Disney, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL, and Holiday on Ice!
Club Piruett – The elite Estonian gymnastic group returns to the Tattoo with its junior school performers who will bring flair to the show with a beautiful ribbon routine.
German Air Force Band Erfurt – Based out of central Germany, this 56-person band has represented the German Air Force throughout Europe and North America and comes to Halifax this summer to continue the strong friendship between the Tattoo and Germany.
Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Band – Tokyo – Formed in 1952, this band is one of the most lauded military bands in the world and adds Halifax to a roster of Tattoos that also includes appearances in Oslo and Basel.
The North American Brass Band Summer School – Combining the world’s best brass instrumentalists, and led by the top brass instructors, the North American Brass Band Summer School musicians return to the Tattoo for their sixth year.
PO3 Mariko Nakagawa – PO3 Mariko Nakagawa performs with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Band and is renowned for her rich vocals and excellent pitch.
United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team – This crowd favourite, based out of Washington, D.C., mixes show-stopping weapon maneuvers with pin-drop silence to create a thrilling routine that will leave you holding your breath.
Valley Forge Military Academy and College Regimental Band – Members of the Valley Forge Regimental Band will join the Massed Bands this summer. These cadet musicians have performed at inaugural parades for U.S. Presidents, Virginia Governors, as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Wachbataillon – An elite drill unit from Germany that excels in both protocol and infantry missions around the world.
5th Canadian Division Band – Composed of reserve musicians from Atlantic Canada, the 5th Canadian Division Band represents the Canadian Army and will augment the Massed Bands.
Canadian Cadets – The Canadian Cadet Organization has designated the Tattoo as one of its National Directed Activities for Cadet musicians and is committing to sending 70 young pipers and drummers, and brass and reed musicians, to perform in the show. In future years, this partnership will grow to include over 100 youth performers.
Canadian Jiffy Jeep Team Championships – Watch as members of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electricians and Mechanical Engineers race to take apart a Jeep and put it back together again! Which team will you root for?
Diaga Irish Dance – This troupe of young Irish dancers weaves Celtic choreography into their routines and are actively involved in promoting Celtic culture to the community.
Jon-Paul Decosse – This Dartmouth dweller possesses a “powerful, full-throated bass-baritone,” according to Opera Canada, and makes his Tattoo debut this summer after a career spent performing some of the most renowned operas across the country.
Massed Pipes & Drums – Featuring the best military, police and civilian pipes and drums units from across Canada, the Massed Pipes & Drums this year include units from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Cadets.
National Band of the Naval Reserve – Composed entirely of reserve musicians from five bands, the National Band of the Naval Reserve forms every summer to tour across the country, and the Tattoo is always on their calendar.
Nova Scotia Irish Dancers – This provincially selected group of Irish dancers is assembled especially for the Tattoo by former Riverdance performer Zeph Caissie and adds a bit of Celtic flair to the show.
PO2 Brad Davidge – PO2 Brad Davidge performs as a soloist with the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and adds his soulful vocals to the most poignant scenes in the Tattoo.
Scotia Suzuki School of Music – These young local musicians and dancers blend classical music styles with many types of Maritime music and dance including Celtic, French Acadian, Indigenous, Lebanese, and African styles.
Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy – The Tattoo’s pit band since 1979! Back for another year providing musical accompaniment to the show, the Stadacona Band also represents Canada’s East Coast Navy around the world.
Tattoo Choir – The Tattoo Choir has served as the vocal backbone to the show for over 35 years and returns this summer with over 100 strong voices to complement the musicians.
Tattoo Children’s Chorus – The Tattoo Children’s Chorus encompasses students from across the Halifax Regional Municipality who add their vocal talents to the show.
Tattoo Highland Dance Team – The Tattoo Highland Dance Team is composed of the best Highland Dancers around the province (and the world).
Go see the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo from June 29-July 6 at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax! @RoyalNSTattoo Share on XHow can I get tickets?
Tickets are available online at www.nstattoo.ca, by phone at 1-902-451-1221 or in person at the Ticket Atlantic box office.
Ticket Prices
Depending on your seat, tickets can cost as little as $32.
Treat you and your family to trip to the Royal International Tattoo! You won’t regret it!
Make this the year!
Learn more about the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and get your tickets
Playground Family Fun: Meadowview Kentville
Playground Family Fun: Meadowview Kentville
There are so many great places to play in the Annapolis Valley! So, we intend to make our way across and let you know about the various playgrounds, telling you the best features and other important information about each one of them!
Meadowview Playground, Kentville
When our children were small, this was one of our favourite playgrounds! It’s tucked away, so not many people know about.
The equipment
There is one main play structure at Meadowview playground.
It features a lot of elements that children of all ages can play with. The slides are metal, which makes them hot in the summer, however, it’s great for children with cochlear implants.
Other equipment include
-swings
-basketball court
– spring rocking equipment
– bouncing log
Babies
There is one swing designed for babies or toddlers.
Shade, Benches and Tables
Yes, yes and yes!
There are lots of trees, picnic tables, and benches. Plus, the surroundings are beautiful, as you can look out over the marshy river banks, or sit beneath the apple trees.
Accessibility
There are no accessible playground features, and the rims around the structures are slightly elevated, making it impossible for wheelchairs to gain access.
Amenities
There are no washrooms or running water available. The playground is next to Meadowview Community Centre, so if that happens to be open, you may have access.
Favourite features
There is a set of exercise structures that are perfect for adults, too, to stay entertained when you are with your kids.
I also love how there is a fence between the playground and the road, so that small children can’t dart out onto the street!
Location
The Meadowview playground is located on Brooklyn Street, just outside the town of Kentville.
Children’s Education Funds Reviews: Common RESP Mistakes Made By Parents
Children’s Education Funds Reviews: Common RESP Mistakes Made By Parents
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, brought to you to share information to with you about RESP mistakes parents can make. Posts like this not only bring you new information, but also help to offset the many costs associated with running a website!
When you become a parent, you receive plenty of advice on how to raise a child, whether you
ask for it or not. Your friends and family may swoop in and tell you how to burp, feed, dress,
and carry your baby, but more than likely, they never end up giving you the advice you need
most — what is best for your child in the long-term?
When your children are young, long-term doesn’t resonate with you. Those early years are all
about survival, meeting daily needs and keeping your head above water.
Once you get past the infant stage, being mindful of your child’s future shifts to the forefront. Now it becomes a
question of, how do I best help them along their journey to adulthood? H
Have I done enough to save for their higher education?
At a time when tuition is on the rise in Canada, it’s now more important than ever for parents to
set money aside as early as possible for their child’s future education. One of the best ways to
do so is by opening a Registered Education Savings Plan, or RESP.
Since 1991, Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI) has been a leading provider of RESPs.
Having helped thousands of Canadian families find the right RESP for their finances, Children’s
Education Funds Inc. also has experience as to what parents should avoid when it comes to
setting up and maintaining an RESP.
Children’s Education Funds Inc. reviews common RESP-related mistakes:
Mistake #1: Starting too late
While it’s better to start an RESP late than not at all, the earlier you start, the better off your
savings will be. Some of the benefits of starting an RESP early include the fact that your
savings will grow tax-deferred and will benefit from compounded interest.
If you can’t afford to contribute to an RESP right now, it might be worth asking grandparents and other family
members to contribute instead. Even a small amount of money goes a long way to helping your
child pay for his or her post-secondary education in the future.
Mistake #2: Forgetting about it
If you regularly contribute to your child’s RESP, kudos! You are on the right path. While making
regular contributions is a good thing, it’s important not to forget about your child’s RESP. It’s
always a good idea to reevaluate your budget every few months. If you get a raise at work, or
even a decent tax-refund, consider contributing more to your child’s RESP. Even $10 or $20
more a month can go a long way to paying for your child’s post-secondary education.
Mistake #3: Not taking advantage of government incentives
As the saying goes, information is power and parents should be aware of all the government
grants and incentives that they are eligible for.
When you contribute $2,500 per year to an RESP, you can qualify for the full $500 Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG).
That’s a great incentive to get the most out of your money. Don’t worry, if you aren’t contributing the full
$2,500, you’re not alone –many parents are not taking full advantage. Again, it is best to
examine your budget for ways to save money, so your child can receive the full grant,
Mistake #4: Setting the RESP on autopilot
While RESPs are convenient because you can set one up and let the provider take care of
it for you, it is best to check on it regularly to keep abreast of all news related to your child’s
account. For instance, you want to always be up-to-date with any changes and eligible grants
and incentives for the account and to ensure all incentives are fully taken advantage of.
Now that you are aware of some of the most common RESP mistakes and how to avoid them,
perhaps the next time someone give you unsolicited advice about your child, you can assure
them that you already have a solid financial plan in place for their future.
Maybe you can even help guide a fellow parent along their own journey by sharing this useful information on how to
save for higher education.
Good luck!
Photo Shoots in the Annapolis Valley with Kellie Lynn Photography
Photo Shoots in the Annapolis Valley with Kellie Lynn Photography
Disclosure: The team from Your Last Resort Home Organization received a free promotional photo shoot with Kellie Lynn in exchange for this blog post. Besides, having pictures taken with your friends is so much fun! All opinions are our own.
It was one of the first times in a very long time that I have looked at a photograph of myself and not cried thinking I looked so big.
We are our own harshest critics.
I have no problem taking a selfie or doing a Facebook live for some marketing purpose, but when it comes to having pictures professionally taken – something that will last beyond the moment – it causes me anxiety.
Having two kids and a desk job and an extremely full life has made my weight fluctuate, and I wasn’t sure I wanted that captured on camera.
My two business partners, Raina and Jennifer, also do not like having their pictures taken. Although both stunningly beautiful, they are both introverts and the thought of having pictures taken sent them over the edge, too.
However, we needed marketing materials for Your Last Resort, our home organization business.
So, when Kellie Shillington of Kellie Lynn Photography reached out to me about working together, we jumped at the opportunity!
Meet Kellie
Kellie Shillington is a visionary talent. Her aptitude for photography, combined with her love of “life behind the lens” is evidently revealed when viewing her beautiful photographs. Her choice of mysterious angles, bold colours and fantastic poses come together perfectly to create a display of true photographic marvel. Kellie is a pleasure to work with. Her professionalism is wonderfully matched up with her extremely reasonable prices, commitment to her clients and speedy service. No matter the occasion, Kellie is dedicated to her work and most definitely exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Kellie Shillington as your photographer when selecting a dynamic and gifted addition to your special, or even casual event. Your memories will forever be documented in an exquisite and refined collection of premium photographs. Facebook Review
Kellie is a phys ed teacher in the Annapolis Valley by trade, and in fact, taught our children a few years ago!
She is also well known for having started the incredible program in New Minas called Girls Night Out where university students are paired with girls aged 8 to 11 to hang out once a week, doing a variety of activities! This program has now expanded to include a program for boys, too!
READ MORE ABOUT GIRLS NIGHT OUT AND KELLIE’S WORK HERE
When it comes to photography, Kellie calls her style light and romantic.
I love the soft pastel tones that light up your soul and give you all the feels. Most of my photos are candid, and I love to go on adventures with you! Take me somewhere you and your family, you and your partner love to go so I can capture the true beauty behind your love!
Our Photo Shoot
For our photo shoot, we decided we wanted some pictures that showed that we were based in the Annapolis Valley. Nothing says the Valley better than Apple Blossoms!
The three of us met Kellie on Apple Blossom weekend, on a day that happened to have no rain, as Kellie was leaving her day job as a teacher.
We found an orchard in Greenwich that had some blossoms out, and stood amongst the rows and dandelions for our photo shoot.
We could not be happier with the results!
Kellie put all our fears at ease. She directed us where to stand, how to place our arms, fixed our clothes if they went astray, but also let us just naturally be ourselves.
What I love the most is how Kellie captured our friendship and how much fun we have just being together.
Book Today with Kellie Lynn Photography
We highly recommend Kellie Lynn Photography the next time you need photographs. Her teaching experience makes her great working with children, and her warm and friendly personality makes adults at ease, too!
Kellie Lynn Photography website
KShills Photography on Facebook
If you book a photo session with Kellie on Instagram after mentioning this post you save 15% in June!
Eating out with Friends and Family: The Village Coffeehouse in Canning
Eating out with Friends and Family: The Village Coffeehouse in Canning
We are always so excited when a new place pops up to go and try! The Village Coffeehouse in Canning is one such place you need to go to try!
It was one of those mornings when my friend and I had just finished several laps around the marsh in Kentville and we decided we needed to go for a coffee and we knew just the place!
We headed to Canning to check out the Village Coffeehouse!
Here’s what it says on their Facebook page:
A community hub for amazing coffee, inviting and welcoming atmosphere, delicious treats and local art and products. Sharing the best of the Canning area.
The Village Coffeehouse was opened earlier this year in March 2019 when proprietor, Alice, realized there wasn’t anywhere to go in the village of Canning for a great cup of coffee and to visit with others.
This began her on her quest to open her own business.
She wants Canning and the surrounding area to make the space their second home, and to see it as their common grounds to congregate over a fine beverage and snack.
Read more of Alice’s story in a recent article in the Advertiser.
The cafe is beautiful, with lots of seating and a gorgeous view out over the Habitant River.
The coffee was delicious, and be sure to check out one of the mouth-watering croissants. Also available is a wide selection of gluten-free options!
Keep an eye on this lovely coffeehouse as it grows and develops. Now, there are local artists and musicians featured. Soon some lunchtime features could be added, too!
But, for now, grab a friend and go for a coffee and support this new local business in Canning!
Location
Follow the Village Coffeehouse on Facebook
