CHEERS: To the proponents in the Evangeline region and beyond who wouldn't accept that the $8.8 million promised for school upgrades to E'cole Evangeline in 2019 was enough to ensure youth in their communities received a proper education. Their tenacity was rewarded last week when, in the Friday, Oct. 20, provincial capital budget, the finance minister announced a new total of $16.6 million for the replacement of École Évangéline. The province also indicated that negotiations with the federal government for additional public funding are ongoing and a further announcement chould be made in early 2021.
CHEERS: To our friends at the Rotary Club of Summerside who did the heavy lifting for the annual Rotary/Journal Pioneer Book Sale. The contributions made by the club, its members, and the community volunteers to this worthwhile effort cannot be overstated. This year's book sale raised $15,000 – a new record and a total that surpassed the goal of $12,000. All this in the face of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Apparently, COVID-19 wasn't enough to deter the volunteers or the many book lovers who support the cause. The money raised will fund the Summerside Rotary Club and Journal Pioneer’s literacy projects.
JEERS: To anyone still fighting against or complaining about having to wear a mask during the pandemic. Let's be clear, this is not about you; it's about the greater good. Your mild personal inconvenience is of little concern. We can debate the actual effectiveness of mask-wearing later, for now, we need to do everything possible to protect the general population - especially seniors, and according to most experts that involves wearing a mask. It's highly unlikely anyone wants to wear a mask, but we need to continue to proceed with the best information available.
CHEERS: To anyone and everyone involved in bringing a new doctor to Tignish and the greater West Prince region. Your efforts are appreciated.
Dr. Peter Entwistle will begin his full-time practice at the Tignish Health Centre in February. The MD will take over the practice of Dr. Declan Fox.
But the good news doesn't stop there. Dr. Entwistle's wife, Anne, is a licensed practical nurse (LPN), and she too will join the team working at the Tignish Health Centre. The couple is relocated to P.E.I. from British Columbia.
CHEERS: To Tyne Valley businesswoman Rhonda MacArthur of Ronnie’s Boutique. MacArthur is using space at her shop to accommodate local artisan and craft vendors. She says her original plan was to have an office and operate her skincare business - Limelife by Alcone - out of the new building but she noticed that craft artisans on the Island were looking for a place to sell their items. With COVID-19, Christmas craft fairs, which account for an important sum of a crafter's living, have been cancelled. MacArthur seized the opportunity to help herself and others with the invitation to move in. Today, Ronnie's Boutique has 22 P.E.I. artisans and craft vendors selling out of her shop. We hope it is a success for all of them.
