Dear Editor,
Fifty years in business is an achievement anywhere on the planet; but I would venture to posit that Inverness County is one of the finest places to live and that the Inverness Oran has contributed greatly to this academically, athletically, historically, musically, and culturally!
To build a great community one requires community spirit! This does not exist without work. I believe that the Oran put in the effort everyday of every week over the past half century to build this community spirit and to make us believe in ourselves.
As a schoolteacher, whenever I wanted to highlight an achievement of our school and its students, I would drop an email to the Oran. Each time a representative would show up snap some pictures and take some notes and those children became “superheroes” in their own community. The stories are endless: fudge sales, marathons, fundraisers… No achievement was too small or insignificant.
Stories of kindnesses paid to others are of particular interest to all. They give us a particular feel about one’s local community. We acknowledge that there are people who are serving the seniors, making donations to the hospital, or helping the less fortunate. Stories keep us abreast of Pow Wows, pageants, and indigenous gatherings as well as church hall events, teas and concerts.
Our sports heroes are never overlooked. I have many of the incredible action shots from the Oran tucked away in a drawer in my home and I am sure that this is true of other local sports fanatics. Local runs and rallies are celebrated and encouraged. Fun-filled pictures play with one’s heartstrings at any age and literally beg one to get off the sofa and get moving.
This year it wasn’t the Battle of the Glen but rather the Battle of Southwest Mabou. Yes, we do appreciate golf courses and their ability to economically develop the county, but the balance was found when the people of our county stood up for their public beach and protected dune habitat. There are lots of places in the county like Cabot Cliffs with incredible ocean vistas. Golfers don’t generally jump in the ocean on the 18th hole, but they do enjoy great scenery while golfing that don’t require a sandy beach. The Oran helped everyone near and far to understand the underlying psyche of our area. The beauty is not only in the scenery but also in the people who stand up for it. Nadine Hunt did us proud!
Our local culture is rich! Musicians abound. Performances at local events are celebrated.
Everything Inverness is found in the Oran. It is literally the heart and soul of the county. What would our county be without its heartbeat? Carol Chisholm’s recognition in Sydney with a community award for her achievements at Strathspey Place, the writers workshop held annually in Inverness at the Centre of the Arts; is it any wonder that we have Kate Beaton on the New York Times Best Seller List, or Burton Macintyre, Mr. Whycocomagh, gracing the front page of the Oran with his new X-Ring, followed the next week by an Academy Award winner, Tamara Deverell, a production designer residing in Inverness County telling the world it is a great place for the arts bringing her Oscar to the Island?
I feel that Inverness County is the place to live where you feel a part of something greater. Just open the Inverness Oran and see if you don’t agree.
Betsy Jardine
Iron Mines