3 Reasons to Visit Twillingate...In The Next Two Weeks

1. Iceberg Capital of the World!

In the midst of peak iceberg season there's no better time to plan a trip to Twillingate, Newfoundland Labrador.You can witness first hand the wonder of nature through these 10,000 year old giants. You may even catch a glimpse of some of the 22 species of whales feeding in the nearby waters. Twillingate offers 3 iceberg and whale watching boat tours that can enhance your experience and get you up close and personal.
  

2. Fish Fun and Folk Festival

Happening this July 25th to July 31st, 2011 is Twillingate's annual Fish Fun and Folk Festival. This Festival is one of the largest and longest running folk festivals in the Province. The Fish Fun and Folk festival kicks off its celebration with a parade through town and is followed by traditional Newfoundland music, folk music, adult dances, a street dance, fireworks, bonfire, a craft fair, games, a variety of fish meals, and more! For a detailed schedule of events for the Fish Fun and Folk Festival click here.

3. WickedAltogether

And just when the Fish Fun and Folk Festival has come to an end the party starts up again with WickedAltogether. This August 1st, 2011 at the Anchor Inn Hotel, 8:00 pm, there will be an exclusive concert featuring Snook, Payne and O'Byrne. Jim Payne (Crowd of Bold Sharemen) and Fergus O'Byrne (Ryan's Fancy) are folk and traditional music legends. Add in the comedic stylings of the one and only Snook, and the evening will surely be filled with lively tunes and sharp comedy. Tickets are $25 and available at the Anchor Inn Hotel front desk or 1-709-884-2777.

Well there's 3 great reasons to pencil in Twillingate on your summer schedule. But that's not all Twillingate has to offer. From art galleries and museums, hiking trails and kayaking, to berry picking and beach bonefires, there's something for everyone in Twillingate. Looking for a place to stay? Twillingate has quality accommodations that will give you all the comforts of home away from home. For more information on the community of Twillingate, Newfoundland Labrador visit http://www.twillingate.com/

2011 George Street Festival!

This July 28th - August 2nd will mark the 27th year of the annual George Street Festival in St. John's, NL.  Each year the George Street Festival attracts tens of thousands of patrons including locals, business travelers, and tourists. Even Newfoundlanders living abroad return home during this 6 day celebration. Due to the coordination efforts of the George Street Association and Participating Partners, every year seems to be getting bigger and better!

Located in the center of historic downtown St. John's, George Street is one of the premier entertainment districts in North America. Featuring 25 pubs, clubs and bars, there's truly something for everyone-  Irish, blues, country, dance, rock and roll and traditional music, just to name a few!

"The "Biggest Little Street in North America" parties for six straight days, featuring both big name bands, tribute acts and local favorites alike. GSA’s commitment to big name bands and quality entertainment has continued in 2011 and we look forward to seeing you on the Street."

- George Street Assciation

Playing this year's George Street Festival on opening night, Thursday July 28th, is none other than Newfoundland's favorite and undoubtedly most popular traditional/modern pop band, Great Big Sea. In their 18th year performing together it's no wonder why Great Big Sea never fails to satisfy a crowd hungry for upbeat, foot stomping, modern folk music.

Another big act gracing this year's George Street center stage, Monday August 1st, are the Dropkick Murphys. They have risen from their basic Irish-punk roots to become a rocking & rolling, raging, green-clover machine. The Dropkick Murphys are now one of the best-known rock bands in the world.

For a full list of performers or to get your tickets for the 2011 George Street Festival visit http://www.georgestreetlive.ca/

How Your Vote Can Help Marguerite's Place

What is Marguerite's Place?

Marguerite’s Place is a new facility located in St. John's, NL which will house the offices and programs of the St. John’s Status of Women Council (SJSWC) and the Women’s Centre. This new facility offers affordable, fully accessible programming and supportive housing for women, by women.

This new facility, is named in memory of a friend and volunteer of the St. John's Women's Centre, Marguerite Dyson, who was murdered while living in unsafe housing.



Marguerite's Place

Marguerite's Place will consist of eight housing units. These supportive housing units on-site will be open to women over the age of thirty who are not accompanied by dependants, and who are experiencing difficulty finding or maintaining housing due to circumstances in their lives or the complexity of their needs. Housing at Marguerite's Place will operate under an independent living philosophy and in a manner that respects the diverse experiences and needs of individual women. Programming at the Women's Centre as well as programs identified by individual assessment of each woman will also be available.



Marguerite's Place is under construction and should be ready for occupancy in August 2011. The capital campaign has been ongoing for the last two years and has been supported by both Federal and Provincial government as well as donations from the business community and individuals.

The Keg 40th Anniversary Thanks a Million Grant Program

In celebration of The Keg's 40th anniversary, they're giving back $1,000,000 to the communities that have contributed to their history. The Keg 40th Anniversary Thanks a Million Grant Program. But in order to decide what programs receive grants you need to vote!

Marguerite's Place is a finalist for this region, sitting in 2nd place. In order to reach 1st place they need your vote! 1st place receives a $25,000 grant that Marguerite's Place plans to direct towards the furnishings required to support the housing and programming in the new facility.

Voting is now open and you can help Marguerite's Place! You can make an impact by voting once a day until June 14th. Voting is quick, simple, and only requires an email address. To vote for Marguerite's Place and aid them in housing and empowering women click here.

The St. John's Women's Centre and Marguerite's Place are projects of the St. John's Status of Women Council. As a forerunner in providing women-centred services, including housing, self-empowerment, and capacity-building initiatives, we have much experience in working with women who have been marginalized, including those at risk of homelessness.

If you'd like to contribute to Marguerite's Place or volunteer at the St. John's Women's Centre visit http://www.margueritesplace.ca/ for more details.

Lady Cove Women's Choir & the Pepsi Refresh Project

Lady Cove Women's Choir has recently been chosen to take part in the Pepsi Refresh Project. In an effort to aid them in achieving their goal of placing in the top 3 and receiving $10,000, here's everything you need to know about Lady Cove Women's Choir, the Pepsi Refresh Project, Lady Cove's proposed project and how your vote can help.

 

Featuring Guest Blogger: Nicole Dawe, of Lady Cove Women's Choir

About Lady Cove Women's Choir

 

Lady Cove Women's Choir



Lady Cove Women’s Choir has become one of Canada’s leading women’s choral ensembles in a remarkably short period of time. Founded in 2003 and based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Lady Cove Women’s Choir's mission is to reveal the strength, versatility and beauty of women’s choral music. They also believe in giving back to the community and believe in fostering music education among the youth of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Pepsi Refresh Project

In an effort to support those who generate innovative, optimistic ideas, the Pepsi Refresh Project will award more than $1 million to move communities forward over the course of a year. Individuals and organizations can apply for grants to benefit a variety of projects, and Canadians can vote for the best ideas for funding at http://www.refresheverything.ca/ The Pepsi Refresh Project is an evolution of the Joy It Forward initiative that the Pepsi brand launched in 2009, which showed the brand as an optimistic catalyst for idea creation. The Pepsi Refresh Project will fund projects that make a difference in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighbourhoods and Education.

Lady Cove's Proposed Project

The collapse of the North Atlantic cod fishery in the 1990s has changed Newfoundland and Labrador forever. We are now exploring and benefiting from other natural resources. In a prosperous society traditional culture is at risk. How can our traditions be translated to remain relevant in the complex social environment of this century? Through folk music and new choral music, and using narration, creative staging, multi-media technology, and a new stage set the Choir will show the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador, the ingenuity and creativity of our people and place.

Curious about the traditions of the Inuit people, the Choir is including a new commission in its repertoire, based on the poetry of an Inuit woman and reflecting the traditions of Labrador. The Choir has engaged a young aboriginal artist to coach in Inuktitut.

People from across the globe will see the presentation at the 9th World Symposium on Choral Music, The International Council for Traditional Music World Conference and Festival 500 International Symposium.

How to Vote



Vote For Lady Cove Women's Choir

The choir is competing in the $10,000 category and needs to be in the top three to receive the grant. Visit the Pepsi Refresh Project and vote for Lady Cove by using your Facebook account and/or by creating a Pepsi Refresh account (if you have multiple emails register them all and vote more). If you vote with Facebook and your Pepsi account(s) that is two votes per day and every little bit will help! The voting will take place from May 1 until June 30.



Email Nicole at Lady Cove to receive a daily reminder to vote!

Excellent Cause, Elegant Campaign, & Ecommerce = Huge Success!

The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation is a shinning example of how a charitable organization and Ecommerce can work together to make a difference.

The foundations ongoing campaign, Sparkles of Hope Bracelets, has had tremendous success to date and continues to sell out orders in advance. The idea behind the bracelet campaign is that each colored Swarovski Crystal represents a type of cancer treated here at home, truly allowing for a united fundraising effort for all types of cancer. This holistic approach to fundraising combined with the use of an online ordering/purchasing system has generated great campaign buzz and results.

Give a bracelet in memory, in honour, or in support, there's no wrong reason to give. All proceeds from these bracelets help to further advance the quality of local cancer care, treatment and research. If you'd like to purchase your own Sparkles of Hope Bracelet and support the fight against cancer click here.



The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation is a registered charity established to raise funds to support the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre (in St. John's) and its affiliate cancer programs throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.



All contributions to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation remain in the province and are used to:



• enhance regional programs close to the patient's home;

• support local education and research projects;

• fund patient support programs and services; and,

• acquire cancer treatment equipment.