Cumberland and Colchester Counties – The annual Lieutenant-Governor’s Community Spirit Award celebrates and recognizes the civic and community spirit shown by people and their communities. The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark was thrilled to receive one of this year’s awards on behalf of all the communities within the Geopark.

A special celebration held on Saturday November 13^th featured His Honour, the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc and his wife, Her Honour Mrs. Patsy LeBlanc travelling to Parrsboro to present the coveted award. Although the days leading up to the event were cloudy and damp, the gathering of approximately 150 people enjoyed a wonderful sunny and warm afternoon. Residents attended from Bible Hill, Lower Truro, Great Village, Bass River, Economy, Five Islands, Black Rock, Parrsboro, Fox River, Spencer’s Island and points in between to celebrate together and demonstrate their community spirit.

Photo of His Honour Arthur J LeBlanc presenting the Community Spirit Award to the children of our communities. (Photo credit Tommy Strutz)

In addition to Their Honours, we welcomed the Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables and MLA for Cumberland South speaking on behalf of Minister Pat Dunn of Communities, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. He spoke of the resilience of the communities and the amazing work of both Cumberland and Colchester Counties working together on the Geopark initiative. Dr. Stephen Ellis, MP for Cumberland-Colchester recognized the work of the Board, staff and volunteers of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark in bringing communities together and promoting the north shore of the Bay of Fundy. Representing community members, Matthew Brewer talked of the value of community spirit in working together for so many projects including the development of the new Parrsboro playground.

The Lieutenant Governor presented the engraved crystal award to the children of our communities and took time to speak with each child. The Geopark plans to make the award available for various organizations to display at their location over the coming year.

To round out the afternoon, there were a number of area artists displaying their work, as well as music from the band All Together and Acadian duo Jacques Blinn and Guyaume Boulianne. The Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. LeBlanc made a special effort to meet and speak with everyone in attendance after the formal portion of the event. It was a pleasure to welcome these distinguished guests to the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark.

For more information on the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award, visit http://communityspiritaward.ca. Details of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark programming and other features can be found at https://fundygeopark.ca/.

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For more information:

Beth Peterkin
Executive Director
Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark
902-641-2225
Email: beth.peterkin@fundygeopark.ca

Christopher McCreery
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
902-424-7001
Email: Christopher.McCreery@novascotia.ca

Amelia Jarvis
Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
902-430-5680
Email: Amelia.Jarvis@novascotia.ca