Kirk MacDonald wins first ECMA award for Jazz Recording of the Year
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
Fresh off his Juno Award win last month, Kirk MacDonald can add another major achievement to his growing list.
MacDonald, 55, was given his first East Coast Music Award this past Saturday in St. John's, N.L., winning Jazz Recording of the Year for his album Symmetry, which was released June 10.
Although it was MacDonald's first ECMA, it wasn't his first nomination. He was also nominated for an award in 1996.
It's an honour to win both Juno and ECMA awards in the same year, said MacDonald.
"It's nice that they came in the same year. I'm proud of the work I've done on both recordings."
After giving it considerable thought, MacDonald decided to submit his work to the ECMA nomination committee.
"I never really had much time to submit anything, but this year I thought, why not."
Throughout his career, MacDonald has received numerous awards, and has worked with many leading musicians in a variety of musical genres. He has performed on over 45 CDs as both leader and sideman, and has participated in numerous national broadcast recordings for CBC Radio.
In addition to performing extensively throughout Canada, he has also performed in the USA, Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Monaco, Australia, Korea, Bermuda and the Bahamas.
For over 25 years, MacDonald has worked and recorded with many leading Canadian, U.S. and International jazz musicians including Claude Ranger, Dave Young, Sam Noto, Sonny Greenwich, Kenny Wheeler and Eddie Henderson.
Other musicians nominated for the ECMA were Greg Amirault, Les Païens, Paul Tynan/Aaron Lington, and the Paul Tynan/Jake Hanlon Duo.
MacDonald, the son of Jerome and the late Vanda MacDonald, has many people to thank for his success on the ECMA stage.
"A big thank you goes to Tom Harrell, Brian Dickinson, Dennis Mackrel and Neil Swainson. I also want to thank Steve Bellamy for his great work on the production of this recording."
Kim MacDonald is Kirk's sister. She said it's always nice to be recognized for hard work.
"Kirk is an incredible musician who works very hard at playing, composing and pushing the boundaries musically, he always did."
MacDonald found his passion for music during his high school years. He attended Breton Education Centre and was part of the school's band, directed by Terry Hill, in the early 1970s. He cut his first record at 13-years-old.
"Hearing all the records, I knew music was something I wanted to pursue."
When he's not recording music, MacDonald is a full-time professor at Humber College in Toronto, where he holds a cross appointment in the Music Degree Program and the Community Music School.
He also acts as the artistic director for the Youth Jazz in the City project, and directs the Greater Toronto Area Honour Combos and the National Youth Honour Combo, a project that hosts a two-week workshop in the summer for high school students ages 14-18.
Next month, MacDonald will join fellow musicians for a tour in Korea.
"I've been to the country a few times, but I only really stayed in Seoul. I'm looking forward to travelling the country and seeing the other cities."
Following the trip, MacDonald will begin recording a new 18-piece CD in June. He's expecting it to be released in October or November.
"I can't wait to get started on it."
The past two summers, MacDonald has participate in the Cape Breton Jazz Festival, however, to date, he hasn't booked any shows on the island for this summer.
"I have nothing booked in Cape Breton for the summer as of yet. I may come home for a visit in August, but I haven't spoke to anyone regarding playing home."
Thursday, 16 April 2015
Minor Hockey president deems season a success in New Waterford
Minor Hockey president deems season a success in New Waterford
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
There may not have been any provincial titles in New Waterford this season, but that doesn't mean the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association didn't have an overall successful year.
Although the players didn't hit the ice until October, preparation for the season started much earlier with the hockey-a-thon gear drive and player registration in September.
This year, the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association saw its player registration numbers remain consistent from previous years with approximately 215 players registered.
The player enrollment numbers show positives for the association, said Edward Turner, minor hockey president.
"I believe the association is doing great things to bring exposure to our community about our association."
"Through our many off season activities, the local children can become engaged with our current members and learn about our association and how much fun it can be playing hockey for your home community."
Among the activities the association does during the off-season is participate in the parade and Plummer Avenue Day during the town's annual Coal Dust Days festival, something Turner hopes continues in the future.
"I can only hope the new executive will continue to promote our association moving forward with these activities as well as any new ideas that may be brought forth."
In November, the association hosted its second annual female development weekend, an event which also featured the Cape Breton University women's hockey team host the UNB Varsity Reds at the New Waterford & District Community Centre.
Among the events during the weekend were on-ice session for all female tots and novice players in CBRM. Close to 35 players registered for the event. The New Waterford association alone had 29 female players registered this season.
Having the female development weekend helps promote the female side of hockey, said Turner.
"There are a lot of females who are unsure about hockey.
"Having these girls come to our association to play a couple of games as well as our local girls getting involved, it helps show that there is a place to play."
During the Christmas holiday, the association hosted two tournaments, one in peewee and one in midget.
In the peewee 'A' tournament, New Waterford was defeated by North Sydney in the championship game, while in the midget 'A' tournament, the Sharks were also beat by North Sydney in the championship game.
Tony Nemis coached the peewee 'A' team this year. He said the club had a tough time against North Sydney all season.
"When we played in tournaments with them, it always came down to us and them in the championship game. Unfortunately, they always played a stronger game."
Nemis said he can see next year's peewee rep team playing in the Day of Champions, the new format of provincials, introduced by Hockey Nova Scotia this year.
"They will only be losing four players who move up to bantam, so they will still have a fast, smart group of players who can make it to the end."
Jim "Fred" Head coached the midget 'A' team for the second straight season.
Although the team didn't win the tournament they hosted in December, they were able to capture the Antigonish Automobile Dealership tournament championship in January in Antigonish.
The team was successful in the tournament, but the club's overall goal was to make it to the Day of Champions event in Halifax, said Head.
"We were lead by some great offensive players and great goaltending, but the main thing is we had fun this year."
The team competed in the Cape Breton Cup, the island championship, in Baddeck last month. The team wasn't successful in winning the title, but it gained experience for the younger players on the team, said Head.
"This is their first year of three in the midget program and the experience will help them for their remaining years."
Head believes the midget program will continue to produce good hockey players in the future.
"The incoming players from bantam 'AA' should make the midget program just as good or better for next year and years to come."
Robert MacKenzie has been the association's Referee-in-Chief for the past six years. It was another busy season for his crew.
"We had a couple of new officials that started at the lower levels and progressively worked up through the levels."
He was confident in all the officials.
"They all handled games in a very professional manner."
Overall, Turner thinks the association had a successful season.
"My goal as a president was to work for each and every player in the association so that they had a place to play and have fun with their friends.
"This does pose difficulty at times due to our low numbers and variety of talent, but at the end of the day, as long as the players get to play and have fun, then I deem it a very successful season."
Next on the scheduled for the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association is the annual general meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at the New Waterford & District Community Centre.
Watch next week's New Waterford Community Press for more information on the annual general meeting.
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
There may not have been any provincial titles in New Waterford this season, but that doesn't mean the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association didn't have an overall successful year.
Although the players didn't hit the ice until October, preparation for the season started much earlier with the hockey-a-thon gear drive and player registration in September.
This year, the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association saw its player registration numbers remain consistent from previous years with approximately 215 players registered.
The player enrollment numbers show positives for the association, said Edward Turner, minor hockey president.
"I believe the association is doing great things to bring exposure to our community about our association."
"Through our many off season activities, the local children can become engaged with our current members and learn about our association and how much fun it can be playing hockey for your home community."
Among the activities the association does during the off-season is participate in the parade and Plummer Avenue Day during the town's annual Coal Dust Days festival, something Turner hopes continues in the future.
"I can only hope the new executive will continue to promote our association moving forward with these activities as well as any new ideas that may be brought forth."
In November, the association hosted its second annual female development weekend, an event which also featured the Cape Breton University women's hockey team host the UNB Varsity Reds at the New Waterford & District Community Centre.
Among the events during the weekend were on-ice session for all female tots and novice players in CBRM. Close to 35 players registered for the event. The New Waterford association alone had 29 female players registered this season.
Having the female development weekend helps promote the female side of hockey, said Turner.
"There are a lot of females who are unsure about hockey.
"Having these girls come to our association to play a couple of games as well as our local girls getting involved, it helps show that there is a place to play."
During the Christmas holiday, the association hosted two tournaments, one in peewee and one in midget.
In the peewee 'A' tournament, New Waterford was defeated by North Sydney in the championship game, while in the midget 'A' tournament, the Sharks were also beat by North Sydney in the championship game.
Tony Nemis coached the peewee 'A' team this year. He said the club had a tough time against North Sydney all season.
"When we played in tournaments with them, it always came down to us and them in the championship game. Unfortunately, they always played a stronger game."
Nemis said he can see next year's peewee rep team playing in the Day of Champions, the new format of provincials, introduced by Hockey Nova Scotia this year.
"They will only be losing four players who move up to bantam, so they will still have a fast, smart group of players who can make it to the end."
Jim "Fred" Head coached the midget 'A' team for the second straight season.
Although the team didn't win the tournament they hosted in December, they were able to capture the Antigonish Automobile Dealership tournament championship in January in Antigonish.
The team was successful in the tournament, but the club's overall goal was to make it to the Day of Champions event in Halifax, said Head.
"We were lead by some great offensive players and great goaltending, but the main thing is we had fun this year."
The team competed in the Cape Breton Cup, the island championship, in Baddeck last month. The team wasn't successful in winning the title, but it gained experience for the younger players on the team, said Head.
"This is their first year of three in the midget program and the experience will help them for their remaining years."
Head believes the midget program will continue to produce good hockey players in the future.
"The incoming players from bantam 'AA' should make the midget program just as good or better for next year and years to come."
Robert MacKenzie has been the association's Referee-in-Chief for the past six years. It was another busy season for his crew.
"We had a couple of new officials that started at the lower levels and progressively worked up through the levels."
He was confident in all the officials.
"They all handled games in a very professional manner."
Overall, Turner thinks the association had a successful season.
"My goal as a president was to work for each and every player in the association so that they had a place to play and have fun with their friends.
"This does pose difficulty at times due to our low numbers and variety of talent, but at the end of the day, as long as the players get to play and have fun, then I deem it a very successful season."
Next on the scheduled for the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association is the annual general meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at the New Waterford & District Community Centre.
Watch next week's New Waterford Community Press for more information on the annual general meeting.
Reds to honour 2002 New Waterford Midget 'A' Marlins at July tournament
Reds to honour 2002 New Waterford Midget 'A' Marlins at July tournament
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The New Waterford Reds midget 'A' baseball team will honour a former New Waterford minor baseball team during its annual tournament.
The team will honour the 2002 midget 'A' New Waterford Marlins at its tournament, July 17-19, at the Gerry Marsh Ball Field in New Waterford.
The Reds are happy to be able to honour deserving teams, said coach Barry Long.
"Our committee has honoured many get people and teams from New Waterford.
"Not only is our goal to provide exciting baseball to the New Waterford community, but also honour members of our community who have done the same in years past."
The Marlins captured the 2002 Nova Scotia Midget 'A' Provincial Championship in Yarmouth, N.S.
The team has not been honoured to date, said Long.
"Our team is also in the midget 'A' division, which makes it even more special for our club to be able to honour them."
The New Waterford Reds Mid-Season Classic started as an event for the town of New Waterford's centennial celebrations in July of 2013. Since then, it has turned into a much anticipated event for the team's organizing committee and the players.
The Reds enjoy hosting tournaments because it brings people to the ball field, said Long, who will return to the team's bench after taking a year off.
"We got great feedback from teams from mainland Nova Scotia on how great the people of New Waterford are for coming out, watching and supporting the tournament.
"It's awesome to hear the feedback from players and coaches just arriving at the ball field for the first time. We have one of the best fields, if not the best in the province."
Members of the 2002 Marlins are Robert Boudreau, Adam Walker, Andrew Quigley, Aaron MacKinnon, Johnathan Bisson, Christopher Coady, Scott Hillier, Joe MacNeil, Kyle Bursey, Jamie Williams, Andrew Roach, Artie Doyle, Travis MacInnis, along with coaches Tommy Hogan, Jerry Walker and manager Jason Hogan.
The tournament is scheduled for the first weekend of the annual Coal Dust Days festival.
Long hopes many of the players will be around for the event.
"We made sure the tournament was during Coal Dust Days because we understand people living off island return for the festival.
"It's a great time of year for vacation and the perfect way to kick off a week of events."
As of Press time, no teams were confirmed for the tournament.
Members of the 2002 Marlins are asked to contact the organizing committee at 902-595-0074 as soon as possible to confirm attendance for opening ceremonies.
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The New Waterford Reds midget 'A' baseball team will honour a former New Waterford minor baseball team during its annual tournament.
The team will honour the 2002 midget 'A' New Waterford Marlins at its tournament, July 17-19, at the Gerry Marsh Ball Field in New Waterford.
The Reds are happy to be able to honour deserving teams, said coach Barry Long.
"Our committee has honoured many get people and teams from New Waterford.
"Not only is our goal to provide exciting baseball to the New Waterford community, but also honour members of our community who have done the same in years past."
The Marlins captured the 2002 Nova Scotia Midget 'A' Provincial Championship in Yarmouth, N.S.
The team has not been honoured to date, said Long.
"Our team is also in the midget 'A' division, which makes it even more special for our club to be able to honour them."
The New Waterford Reds Mid-Season Classic started as an event for the town of New Waterford's centennial celebrations in July of 2013. Since then, it has turned into a much anticipated event for the team's organizing committee and the players.
The Reds enjoy hosting tournaments because it brings people to the ball field, said Long, who will return to the team's bench after taking a year off.
"We got great feedback from teams from mainland Nova Scotia on how great the people of New Waterford are for coming out, watching and supporting the tournament.
"It's awesome to hear the feedback from players and coaches just arriving at the ball field for the first time. We have one of the best fields, if not the best in the province."
Members of the 2002 Marlins are Robert Boudreau, Adam Walker, Andrew Quigley, Aaron MacKinnon, Johnathan Bisson, Christopher Coady, Scott Hillier, Joe MacNeil, Kyle Bursey, Jamie Williams, Andrew Roach, Artie Doyle, Travis MacInnis, along with coaches Tommy Hogan, Jerry Walker and manager Jason Hogan.
The tournament is scheduled for the first weekend of the annual Coal Dust Days festival.
Long hopes many of the players will be around for the event.
"We made sure the tournament was during Coal Dust Days because we understand people living off island return for the festival.
"It's a great time of year for vacation and the perfect way to kick off a week of events."
As of Press time, no teams were confirmed for the tournament.
Members of the 2002 Marlins are asked to contact the organizing committee at 902-595-0074 as soon as possible to confirm attendance for opening ceremonies.
New Waterford Minor Hockey wraps up season with annual banquet
**WAYNE: PICTURES TO BE POSTED ON FRIDAY MORNING. **
New Waterford Minor Hockey wraps up season with annual banquet
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The New Waterford Minor Hockey Association put the finishing touch to its season this past Tuesday, hosting the annual year end awards banquet at the New Waterford & District Community Centre.
A large crowd of players and parents were in attendance for the closing of the hockey season.
The players and coaches were served pizza and soft drinks, which followed by the presentation of team awards.
The banquet went as planned, said Edward Turner, New Waterford minor hockey president.
"The players were able to celebrate a successful hockey season."
Plans are already underway for next season, he said.
"We will be working during the summer to continue to help grow interest in our association."
The most prestigious award of the evening, the Adam Kelly Memorial Award for hard work, dedication and sportsmanship was given to Robbie MacKinnon of the midget 'A' Sharks.
Jim "Fred" Head coached MacKinnon for the past two seasons. He said there isn't a player who deserves the award more than him.
"Robbie works hard on and off the ice. I wasn't surprised to find out he was given the award."
He's sad to see MacKinnon finish his hockey career, said Head.
"He played his final season with the Sharks. The team will miss him next year."
Next on the schedule, the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association will hold its annual general meeting at the New Waterford and District Community Centre on Thursday, April 30.
Watch next week's New Waterford Community Press for more information on the annual general meeting.
New Waterford Minor Hockey wraps up season with annual banquet
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The New Waterford Minor Hockey Association put the finishing touch to its season this past Tuesday, hosting the annual year end awards banquet at the New Waterford & District Community Centre.
A large crowd of players and parents were in attendance for the closing of the hockey season.
The players and coaches were served pizza and soft drinks, which followed by the presentation of team awards.
The banquet went as planned, said Edward Turner, New Waterford minor hockey president.
"The players were able to celebrate a successful hockey season."
Plans are already underway for next season, he said.
"We will be working during the summer to continue to help grow interest in our association."
The most prestigious award of the evening, the Adam Kelly Memorial Award for hard work, dedication and sportsmanship was given to Robbie MacKinnon of the midget 'A' Sharks.
Jim "Fred" Head coached MacKinnon for the past two seasons. He said there isn't a player who deserves the award more than him.
"Robbie works hard on and off the ice. I wasn't surprised to find out he was given the award."
He's sad to see MacKinnon finish his hockey career, said Head.
"He played his final season with the Sharks. The team will miss him next year."
Next on the schedule, the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association will hold its annual general meeting at the New Waterford and District Community Centre on Thursday, April 30.
Watch next week's New Waterford Community Press for more information on the annual general meeting.
NWDCC annual general meeting rescheduled for this Sunday
NWDCC annual general meeting rescheduled for this Sunday
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The New Waterford & District Community Centre will hold its annual general meeting in the Gillis, Watts room at the community centre Sunday.
The meeting was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 12, however due to an oversight in booking, the meeting was postponed.
The board of directors for the community centre apologies for the mistake, said Kevin Crosby, acting manager.
"We booked lacrosse tryouts for the same weekend and we didn't notice the meeting was scheduled for the same weekend."
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Watch next week's Community Press for coverage of the annual general meeting.
The New Waterford & District Community Centre will hold its annual general meeting at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The meeting was scheduled for last Sunday, however it was postponed.
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The New Waterford & District Community Centre will hold its annual general meeting in the Gillis, Watts room at the community centre Sunday.
The meeting was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 12, however due to an oversight in booking, the meeting was postponed.
The board of directors for the community centre apologies for the mistake, said Kevin Crosby, acting manager.
"We booked lacrosse tryouts for the same weekend and we didn't notice the meeting was scheduled for the same weekend."
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Watch next week's Community Press for coverage of the annual general meeting.
The New Waterford & District Community Centre will hold its annual general meeting at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The meeting was scheduled for last Sunday, however it was postponed.
Midget 'A' Reds to hold baseball clinic at CBU Dome next week
Midget 'A' Reds to hold baseball clinic at CBU Dome next week
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The New Waterford Reds midget 'A' baseball team will hold a clinic for players ages 16-18 interested in playing baseball with the team this summer.
The clinic will be held at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex dome on Tuesday, April 21 at 8:30 p.m., and on Thursday, April 23 at 8:30 p.m.
The team hopes to have as many players as possible attend, said Reds coach Barry Long.
"It's a conditioning camp to get the players ready for the baseball season.
"If you're interested in playing baseball, but think there isn't a spot on the team for you, you could be wrong."
The cost of attending the clinic is $10 per player each session.
Players must register by phoning Long at 902-578-9703.
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The New Waterford Reds midget 'A' baseball team will hold a clinic for players ages 16-18 interested in playing baseball with the team this summer.
The clinic will be held at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex dome on Tuesday, April 21 at 8:30 p.m., and on Thursday, April 23 at 8:30 p.m.
The team hopes to have as many players as possible attend, said Reds coach Barry Long.
"It's a conditioning camp to get the players ready for the baseball season.
"If you're interested in playing baseball, but think there isn't a spot on the team for you, you could be wrong."
The cost of attending the clinic is $10 per player each session.
Players must register by phoning Long at 902-578-9703.
Fourth annual Ladies and Gents Stepping out for Autism set for Saturday
Fourth annual Ladies and Gents Stepping out for Autism set for Saturday
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The Fourth annual Ladies and Gents Stepping out for Autism event will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Plummer Avenue Saturday.
The event is in support of National Autism Awareness Month, taking place in April.
For the past three years, the Ladies and Gents Stepping out for Autism was held in Sydney, however Darlene Darroch, organizer, decided to move it to New Waterford.
Darroch, the owner of Triple D's Catering, came up with the idea for the event.
"I wanted to get involved in April is Autism Month, along with Light it up Blue, which takes place each year on April 2, World Awareness Day."
The event will feature a number of different activities.
There will be a fashion show, a cake auction and medium Tracy Ross will be taking sessions. There will also be vendors set up for shopping options, and live music by Maryanna Phillips of North Sydney.
A large crowd is expected to attend the fundraiser, said Darroch.
"It's an event that hits home with many people in our community. It should be a good event."
Doors open for the event at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 each or two for $25 and are available at Autism Cape Breton, Triple D's Catering on Plummer Avenue, Kar's You wear it Well, and the Knights of Columbus New Waterford.
By Jeremy Fraser
April 17, 2015
The Fourth annual Ladies and Gents Stepping out for Autism event will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Plummer Avenue Saturday.
The event is in support of National Autism Awareness Month, taking place in April.
For the past three years, the Ladies and Gents Stepping out for Autism was held in Sydney, however Darlene Darroch, organizer, decided to move it to New Waterford.
Darroch, the owner of Triple D's Catering, came up with the idea for the event.
"I wanted to get involved in April is Autism Month, along with Light it up Blue, which takes place each year on April 2, World Awareness Day."
The event will feature a number of different activities.
There will be a fashion show, a cake auction and medium Tracy Ross will be taking sessions. There will also be vendors set up for shopping options, and live music by Maryanna Phillips of North Sydney.
A large crowd is expected to attend the fundraiser, said Darroch.
"It's an event that hits home with many people in our community. It should be a good event."
Doors open for the event at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 each or two for $25 and are available at Autism Cape Breton, Triple D's Catering on Plummer Avenue, Kar's You wear it Well, and the Knights of Columbus New Waterford.
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