The Advent Candlelight Ceremony on December 10th served as a wonderful culmination to 2023. The evergreen spiral gradually filled with light as each person walked to the centre to light their candle and place it along the path of the spiral on the way out. The journey was accompanied by the gentle music of guitarist Andy Webster and harpist Mairi Chaimbeul, with a guest appearance by Nellie Garvey on flute. When all candles were lit, as we sat in peaceful silence, I was truly grateful for the community that we are part of.
A Look Back…
2023 was a year of bouncing back after two years of COVID closures. There was an air of excitement as the winter Creative Arts program started up last January. The story of The Queen Bee engaged participants in drama, music, movement and visual arts. We were fortunate to add the talents of an Art Therapist and an Artist to help us shape and blend visual art activities into the story, drama and music.
Creative Arts programs are facilitated by me (Kathleen) as story teller/animateur and by Music Therapist Zoe Strutt, with the help of volunteers and music therapy students. In our fall program we explored the story of Tommy and the Golden Sword. We followed the hero on his journey with lots of music and movement. We made masks, beautiful water colour paintings, small wooden swords; lots of fun for everyone!
What’s New….
We had our first Jam Dance of the year in partnership with Music In Communities Co-op. It will took place on January 12, 2024 at the L’Arche Hall in Wolfville.
On January 29th we will begin our Creative Arts program for adults. We are excited to welcome Rachel Cherry -Brannen to our team! She will be apprenticing as the Storyteller/Drama Animateur. We invite volunteers from the community and Acadia University to join us for this wonderful program.
Here’s to a Great New Year for Everyone!
Sincerely,
Kathleen Purdy, Executive Director
