CHEERS: To Kings Playhouse for creating six days of programming at the theatre in Georgetown. From the Winkle Pickers, a show for children, to Tellers and Tunes to Murder Inn, Demon Rum and others, there’s six days of programming this summer. The lineup reflects the creative spirit of Haley Zavo, executive director, her staff and volunteers. Have a wonderful summer.
CHEERS: To Sean Fitzpatrick, owner of the watch and accessories business 6 Zero. Originally from Souris and a graduate of Souris Regional High School, Fitzpatrick started the business out of his Halifax apartment in January 2018. Things started slowly, but recently, he just completed his second collaborative product with East Coast Lifestyle — the Boat Flag watch. Fitzpatrick has embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and is putting himself out there continuing to grow his business. He has also recently graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a commerce degree. As a native Islander, we should celebrate his accomplishments.
JEERS: To the provincial government for the most recent revelation regarding psychiatric wait times. As reported in The Guardian last week, a Health P.E.I. review has found that more than 1,000 people referred by a doctor for psychiatric services were unable to get an appointment. It’s an all too familiar story on the Island — a shortage of health-care professionals, this time psychiatrists, that are resulting in residents not getting the timely care they need. This is a problem that has plagued past governments. Now, the onus is on our elected minority government to find solutions to this problem and ensure Islanders get the level of health care they deserve.
CHEERS: To Summerside’s Jeremy McKenna for signing a professional contract last week with Calgary Flames’ minor league affiliate — the AHL’s Stockton Heat. McKenna just wrapped up three seasons with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats. Signing the one-year deal with Stockton places McKenna, 20, only one step away from the NHL. McKenna, who had 45 goals and 97 points with the Wildcats last season, realizes that there is still a hot of hard work to do in order to reach the next step. He’ll get chance to show the Flames what he can do when he attends Calgary’s training camp beginning Sept. 5. Good luck, Jeremy.
