Cheers &Jeers

CHEERS: TMAC conference Bravo to everyone who was involved in the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) conference that was held in Yarmouth.

Founded in 1994, TMAC represents Canada's most professional and productive experts in the field of travel, which includes Canadian writers, photographers, videographers, bloggers and others.

The actual conference in Yarmouth took place June 22-26 and during that time, and also in the days leading up to the event, and the days that followed it, participants were also brought on tours throughout Yarmouth, Shelburne and Digby counties to experience anything and everything the area had to offer.

The visitors were enthralled.

And the best part? They are going to share their experiences in articles, blogs, photographs, etc., in publications and on the internet. This will hopefully push and encourage others to want to partake in these experiences as well.

As this issue of the Tri-County Vanguard was being compiled, the convention – the largest in the area since before the COVID pandemic – was still underway. We'll be reporting on how things went in future issues. But from what we saw, it went really great. And it's something we'll all benefit from. CHEERS: Painting and fixing up Kudos to everyone who, over the weekend, turned out to the South End Playground and skatepark in Yarmouth to help spruce the place up.

People of all ages – from children to grandparents – turned out to paint tired-looking and vandalized buildings and other structures, to pick up garbage, to pull out weeds, to add fresh landscaping, etc.

The goal was for the community to take ownership of this facility that serves youth and families.

The hope is that by doing so, it can instill respect for the property and perhaps deter vandalism and destruction in the future.

Will it work? Sadly, probably not entirely. But still, maybe it will cause those who destroy or damage things to think twice about what they're doing and to not carry out this behaviour. That's a win, even on a small scale.

The biggest winner, however, is community pride, spirit and determination.

There is no defeating that.

JEERS: Theft and destruction

Honestly, what was the point of this? Did it make you laugh? Did it fulfill your life? Did it make you a better person?

Shame on those who stole the big Blue Lobster chair – put their for the benefit of the public – from the Baccaro Point Lighthouse last week.

It's doubtful one person did it alone – then again, never underestimate the will of those out to conduct senseless vandalism. The chair is very heavy and over eight feet high.

At least it was.

It was eventually found on Carleton Village Beach, but not in the same shape as when it was stolen. It had been broken and damaged.

Efforts will be made to repair it so it can be returned to its rightful place.

How about next time you leave it alone. Or just sit in it and enjoy like everyone else.