LUCKY LANDOWNER WINS CHAINSAW . . . GOOGLE CAMERA MAPS JOHNSON’S MILLS SHOREBIRD RESERVE . . . FUTURE WORKING OUT JUST GREAT AT CRASDALE FARMS  . . . JOIN OUR A PICKET-NIC!  . . . INVITATION TO MOW: 12TH ANNUAL MARITIME HANDMOWING CHAMPIONSHIPS . . .    
OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

LUCKY LANDOWNER WINS CHAINSAW
Source: NSWOOA

Garnet Daye (left) accepts a Husqvarna 550XPG chainsaw from Robert Monk of M.C Power Equipment in Truro. Garnet was one of more than 330 people who tried our free, online forest landowner goals self-assessment in the nine months that ended 30 June 2015. He works as a carpenter on the Eastern Shore during the week, and is restoring the family farm and woodlot in Bayhead near Tatamagouche on the weekends. NSWOOA will offer another valuable prize when a new version of the tool is available later this year.
nswooa.ca

GOOGLE CAMERA MAPS JOHNSON’S MILLS SHOREBIRD RESERVE
Source: CBC.ca
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is collecting 360-degree images of the Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Reserve in a project that will give people around the world an up-close look at thousands of birds. The organization’s staff will walk the trails and mudflats of Johnson's Mills on the Bay of Fundy wearing the Google Trekker camera. The Trekker is a 22-kilogram backpack topped by what looks like a big green soccer ball. (read more)

FUTURE WORKING OUT JUST GREAT AT CRASDALE FARMS
Source: Island Farmer
Brian Craswell is already living in the future – at least when it comes to the dairy business. The South Rustico farm he operates with his wife, Amber, and their three children, is one of the Canada’s first fully automated dairies. While robotic milkers are becoming more and more commonplace, Crasdale Farms also has an automated feeding system that goes through the free stall barn 10 or 12 times a day to make sure his herd is well fed. (read more)

JOIN OUR A PICKET-NIC!
Source: SOS: RIVER JOHN
There will be a PICKET-NIC on Sunday, August 23 from 1-3 on the school grounds of River John Consolidated School. Despite the closure of their school, the community of River John remains positive, creative, and determined to stand with and for rural communities across the province that are faced with the erosion of social justice and lack of provincial government support for the flourishing of rural communities and local initiatives. (read more)
After working two years to develop an educationally compelling “Hub” school model they hoped to pilot, a plan praised and supported by professionals within the province and beyond, there was a tie vote by elected school board to reconsider the school’s closure. One board member was missing. A tie meant defeat.
Members of the River John Support our School secured a meeting with Premier MacNeil and Minister of Education on July 23. They were referred back to the Chignecto Central Regional School Board and encouraged to lobby for an emergency meeting, which was rejected by the Board.
The SOS has evolved into a larger group: River Johnners Unite for Rural Communities.
As taxpayers this community believes they should have access to basic services. As engaged Nova Scotians, this community stepped up for their children and community in good faith. Community members volunteered, worked, created, innovated with a plan that, given the right support, would benefit all children and families along the North Shore of Nova Scotia.
The community asked for a new way forward to support delivery of education to seventy children in a rural community. They garnered support and resources for a sustainable and resilient way forward.
They worked and asked for help "now" and received an answer of "never."
They broke the status quo.
The community of River John continues to hope for a child-centred solution so their youngest can be educated within community and are currently exploring all options.
As a result of school closure, there is no longer a place in River John for the preschool or a recreation centre for seniors or the youth in their community.
This never was and is still not only about River John and one "typical" small school closure. This was a historic opportunity to create a true Hub model from grassroots upwards.
Everyone supporting children, small schools, community, rural life, local initiatives and political fairness are welcome to attend the Picket-nic.
People are encouraged to bring a picnic, blankets, friends, their peaceable creative spirits and picket signs on August 23. Music makers welcome.

Facebook: River Johnners Unite for Rural Communities
David Allen allandsr@live.ca
Sheree Fitch 902-351-3285
www.riverjohnsos.com

INVITATION TO MOW: 12TH ANNUAL MARITIME HANDMOWING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Source: Rural Delivery
Good morning handmowers. It’s time for the 12th Annual Maritime Handmowing Championships: Saturday, August 29, rain or shine (but it always shines!). We hope we will see you and friends that day at the Ross Farm Museum in New Ross with scythes (blades detached and covered) and ready to take part in one or more contests. Novice and “Well Honed Blades” (70 and older) events take place at 11 am. Open competition at 1 pm. Also of course, Hay Forking contest for all ages, the fun “Chair Mowing” contest, plus demonstrations of many practical hay and grain harvesting skills like stacking hay and flailing grain. Prizes for all in the Open championship competition. No charge for those arriving with scythes and ready to join the fun. Please plan to take part, and please spread the word. Thanks to all, Dirk PS: If you are planning to take part it will help with planning if you let us know by email or phone, 902-354-5411, dvlmagazines@gmail.com.