Church Bells ring in honour of Nova Scotia shooting victims

As the old adage goes, every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. Church bells across Canada, including right here in Charlotte County, rang out at 6pm Eastern Standard Time on Friday in honour of the victims of the tragic shooting in Nova Scotia -- a toll for each life lost. Wesley United Church member Gary Groom paid tribute by ringing the bells at his church on William Street in Saint Andrews.

"We did a ringing of the bells for the 22 victims, plus two minutes of silence, and one more toll for the lady who was pregnant at the time," said Groom." Perhaps because Canada is a such a vast country, finding ways to unite in solidarity despite having physical distances between us has always been part of the fabric of being Canadian.

In the era of social distancing, Charlotte County residents have found innovative new ways to gather and mark special occasions as a community. Last week, members of the St. George #12 Masonic Lodge organized a phone tree to mark the 85th birthday of Ted Hatt, a beloved resident of Charlotte County. Hatt's friends from across Southwest New Brunswick surprised him with a parade down Water Street in St. Andrews, driving by with birthday wishes, signs and balloons. Hatt was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love.

"It was quite a surprise to get that many people out. All I knew I was getting was 50 lbs of flour--which is a good present," joked Hatt after the parade."

Premier Higgs' announcement on Friday that New Brunswick has eased some restrictions previously put in place to contain COVID-19. Higgs, Chief Medical Dr. Jennifer Russell, opposition party leaders worked collaboratively across party lines to initiate the first phase of a four-phase plan to gradually reopen the province.

"It is understandable that New Brunswickers are getting anxious to return to some sense of normalcy," said Higgs. "With proper physical distancing people can now enjoy outdoor spaces including parks and beaches."

Here's what's allowed during the first phase of reopening: households may now choose to spend time with one other household; Carpooling is now allowed with one passenger in the back seat. College and university students can access campuses. Religious organizations can hold outdoor services. Parks and beaches are open, and recreational fishing and hunting can resume. Golf courses and driving ranges are also open.

Bill Brownrigg and his friends at the Bayside Golf Course didn't hesitate to take advantage of the nice weekend weather to hit the greens. "I'm glad to get out of the house," said Brownrigg on the golf course. "My friends from Saint Andrews who golf here are all out today. It's a great little golf course for people to come who want to learn to golf."

Higgs said the second phase of the reopening plan could go into effect in two to four weeks if the first phase goes well. Until then, people like Charlotte County's Brenda and Jonathan Logan are finding creative ways to bring a little joy to their community while keeping their distance. Dressed in matching clown suits, the married couple, danced and honked their way down the streets of Saint Andrews over the weekend.