Halloween is just around the corner, and you can feel the excitement building here in Dartmouth South! The Haunted House at Alderney Landing is as spooky as ever, and it was wonderful to see so many people out for Nocturne again this year. Dartmouth South truly showed up! The glowing earthworms in Ferry Terminal Park were such a creative touch - the lights made them even more magical. Morley’s Twin Peaks Night was a hit as always (who can resist a slice of cherry pie?), and Soundscape at Renegade delivered an incredible light show alongside the music.
Looking ahead, there’s so much to enjoy in the coming weeks! Nightmare on Ochterloney Street promises an unforgettable, family-friendly Halloween musical comedy, complete with a live band and immersive theatre fun. Quaker House will be hosting a number of family activities, and St. James Church is holding a big community yard sale on November 1st. There’s never a shortage of creativity and community spirit in Dartmouth South!
This week, our community came together to celebrate the life of Mary Vingoe, a deeply loved member of Dartmouth South and a true force in Canadian theatre. Mary was a playwright, actor, director, dramaturge, teacher, and artistic director whose creativity and commitment to community transformed the cultural landscape in Nova Scotia and across Canada. She co-founded Nightwood Theatre in Toronto, Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro, and Eastern Front Theatre here in Dartmouth, and was instrumental in establishing Magnetic North Theatre Festival, Mulgrave Road Theatre Co-op, LunaSea Theatre, and HomeFirst Theatre. A proud mother and grandmother, Mary and her late husband, musician Paul Cram, passed on their creative spirit to their children Kyle and Laura, both artists in their own right. Mary will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for her artistry, mentorship, and friendship.
Throughout the summer, many of you reached out with concerns about the challenges facing some of our most vulnerable community members in downtown Dartmouth. This is a complex situation that isn’t serving anyone well. Our most vulnerable neighbours are not receiving the support they need, and our public spaces are becoming less safe for everyone.I want to thank you for taking the time to share your concerns and experiences. Your voices matter deeply. In response, Susan Leblanc and I wrote to the Office of Addictions and Mental Health to ask what supports and plans could be put in place moving forward. You can read our letter and their response on my website.
Please know how much I value hearing from you. Your ideas, feedback, and lived experiences guide my work every day and help me advocate for what’s best for Dartmouth South and for all Nova Scotians.
As always, if you need assistance, please reach out to my office at 902-406-2301 or claudiachendermla@gmail.com.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Claudia
