Naturally Active Victoria County is a Proud Participant in the NS Physical Activity Practitioners Exchange (P.A.P.E)

The Physical Activity Practitioners Exchange has been going strong for more than 8 yrs. Created in 2007, its vision is to “provide physical activity practitioners in NS with an interactive forum to learn, share, contribute & network”

We’ve come a long way!

8+ years

22 gatherings

24 session themes

28 physical activities

7 planning teams

21 planning team members

11 Venues in 5 different communities

40+ average total of participants attending the gatherings

Great planning teams, themes & physical activities. As the Department of Health and Wellness reorganizes and the Active Living Branch moves to the newly created Communities, Sport & Recreation Branch at the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage (CCH), the Physical Activity Practitioners Exchange needs to pause for some time. There is no gathering this spring 2016, as commonly scheduled. The Active Living Consultant—Physical Activity position is no longer with the Gov't of NS and is scheduled to move to the NS Health Authority as of April 1, 2016

There may be a great training and professional development opportunity by the end of the new fiscal year (March 31, 2017). P.A.P.E was created to support people working, for a variety of organizations, in positions mostly dedicated to increase population level physical activity

Building relationships and networks has been just as important as the programmed learning of each gathering. While the Exchange has been primarily about building capacity to do work here and now, it’s also been about taking steps to establish physical activity promotion as a profession. Participants’ job titles and descriptions have been varied—some reflecting comprehensive physical activity promotion, others focusing on active transportation, sport or quality recreation. What Exchange participants have in common is shifting policies, social and physical environments, systems and cultural norms to benefit more people through the activity forms that work for them.

"I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the planning teams and all participants. Thank you to all the participants for showing up repeatedly and participating whole-heartedly. It was reenergizing to be among so many intelligent, passionate, dedicated, savvy, kind, good-humoured and fun professionals. The planning teams were committed to serving you well; we appreciated your feedback and support along the way. There are so many happy memories from these gatherings; some are captured in recap in photos. Also you’ll find contact information for participants to help you stay in touch. It’s a long and trying path to shift the factors in favour of positively influence physically active behaviour, but we’ll get there. Keep up the great work!" - Natasha Warren - Physical Activity Consultant (Provincial), Active Living Branch, NS Dept of Health & Wellness (March 30, 2016)

"Mary and I have recently discovered that Victoria County's “Naturally Active” program will reach it's fifth anniversary in June of 2016 and that a decision about it's future is being made. What follows are some thoughts about the program. We often hear reports of health problems caused by lack of exercise, diabetes being the number one example. It's also a well known fact that Nova Scotia is faced with a rapidly aging population. Each of these issues contribute to an ever-increasing, and probably unsustainable, burden on the health-care system. It therefore seems that programs focused on improving the health of the general population should be a priority. Council has the difficult task of determining how best to allocate available funds for the benefit of all residents. When faced with this challenge, organizations often resort to a cost-benefit analysis as a basis for gauging a program's worth. Performing such an analysis on a program of this type would be a significant and very expensive undertaking... a consultant's dream-come-true! Wouldn't it be better to “go with your gut” and continue funding a program which seems obviously beneficial? And now, a few words about the current program coordinator...Vince Forrestall has been a tireless promoter of numerous forms of physical activity, many of which highlight our beautiful natural environment. I've participated in a number of his organized hikes to destinations such as Bald Mountain, the “Steam Boiler”, Goldbrook Mine, Humes River Falls, McNaughton Falls, MacMillan Mountain Look off, and, of course, Uisge Ban. Being a relative newcomer to the area, these events have introduced me to some unfamiliar and wonderful locations. I follow Vince on Facebook and I'm constantly amazed by his non-stop work to promote physical fitness. He's always on the move – a great example for everyone. He and his family have been a wonderful addition to the area and Baddeck in particular. Mary and I would like to take this opportunity to express our full support for extending this very beneficial program for another five years with Vince as it's coordinator" - Sincerely, Bob & Mary Hill (Oct. 7, 2015)

"We, at North Highlands Nordic are asking the Municipality to renew Vince Forrestall’s five year Naturally Active Victoria County, Municipal Physical Activity Strategy for at least another five years. At North Highlands Nordic, since 1985 we have maintained over 10 km of groomed trails behind the North Victoria Community Centre. We have a strong volunteer base that is proud of the facility that we offer in northern Victoria County. We hire a room manager for three months so that the facility can be open and have available both cross country ski and snowshoe equipment. The county has always been very generous in the support we have received over the years. We have seen Vince grow into his position over the last five years.  He has been easy to access and is a font of knowledge. He has made great efforts to get to know and understand us.  He has been very supportive of our initiatives. For example, he has not only provided funding for our Open House, but he has made the effort to attend it also. If we have a germ of an idea he helps make it happen.  For our Girls on Skis program he helped with our proposal and funding and even came down North to see how the program was going. We appreciate this enthusiasm. He has always shown a keen interest in what we are doing.  We do not want to loose Vince or the support he has been providing over the last five years.  There is still a lot to be done and we feel very fortunate that he even would want to continue in his position.  Any funds that are spent on keeping our residents physically active seem like a win-win situation.  At North Highlands Nordic we are as committed as Vince in seeing that this happens. Sincerely" - Linda Murray, President, NHN-North Highlands Nordic, Cape North, NS (Oct. 2015)

“I am writing in support of, Vince Forrestall, and the Naturally Active Victoria County (Municipal Physical Activity Strategy Est. 2011 – http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/about-us/strategy/  ) with a 5 year Renewal of the Strategy by the Municipality of the County of Victoria in Partnership with the Province-Health & Wellness Active Living Branch (MPAL:  http://novascotia.ca/dhw/pasr/akhk-municipal-leadership.asp ). I am the Youth Liaison Officer for the Victoria County Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP, detachment stationed in Baddeck, I work with students and schools to determine new and innovated projects to assist youth with issues that are precursors to criminal activity. The programs assist to prevent youth from entering the Criminal Justice System or minimalize recidivism. In this role I also look at other organizations and groups that offer extra-curricular activities and opportunities for youth.  Mr. Forrestall’s leadership and creativity with Naturally Active Victoria County is a prime example of a strategy that creates programs and opportunities that I seek out. I have had the opportunity to sit on the Body Active Mind (BAM) planning committee and have seen firsthand the knowledge and enthusiasm that Vince brings to the table. The Naturally Active Victoria County strategy with Vince at the helm has brought some fabulous activities to the County and residents with many more I am sure to come with a 5 year extension for the strategy and Vince. If there are any questions or concerns please contact me directly. Best Regards” – Cst Eric LATWAITIS, Youth Liaison Office, RCMP-GRC, Victoria County – Ph 902-295-2350 / Eric.Latwaitis@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

"We moved to Victoria County in mid 2012 so do not have first-hand knowledge of the local activity situation prior to the implementation of this strategy.  However, it quickly became evident that a serious effort was being made by the Coordinator to boost the activity level of the residents.  My first exposure to the program was through weekly Saturday snowshoe hikes on various trails in the St. Ann's Bay area.  Vince participated at many of these hikes and was a powerful advocate for getting out, enjoying the scenery and boosting our activity levels.  The  exertion varied from easy to challenging, depending on the specific terrain, but it is safe to say that over the last three winters we all benefited from the workouts and felt healthier for the effort. Vince was also a strong supporter of the Square Dance Classes at the South Haven Community Hall. I have heard comments from a number of first time participants that they were astonished at the level of physical effort required during these two hour sessions. As with the hiking, residents were benefiting from weekly physical activity while at the same time strengthening community involvement. As a director with the Biosphere North East Trails Association I witness Vince's ongoing support during the past year for the development of additional trails within the County that will enhance the physical activity of residents and visitors alike. A side benefit may also be an increase in the number of tourist days and the dollars that flow. Unfortunately, many of us require prodding and/or incentives to escape our sedimentary lifestyle and become more physically active. In the long term it has to be a benefit to not only the participants but also reducing health care costs in general. Maintaining momentum now is critical to the realization of long term benefits. As a County taxpayer I support the continuation of this strategy" - Don Buchanan, Resident - 50972 Cabot Trail, RR 4 Baddeck (Oct. 9, 2015)

"Sue and I permanently moved to Cape Breton about four years ago. Prior to moving to Nova Scotia I spent plenty of time hiking in a semi wilderness provincial park not far from our cabin. Most of my hiking was done alone. When we moved to Cape Breton I couldn't help but hear that an organization had been set up to get people active, presumably to help increase the health level of the population and therefore cut down on mental and physical problems which can be very costly. Plus it was just a heck of a lot of fun. Because I wasn't familiar with many trails around here, I joined a hike or two and was quickly involved in other hikes, and soon began guiding a few. It all just came naturally. Vincent Forrestall, who represents Naturally Active, was personable and easy to hike with. Vincent was as much into the activities as the rest of us were and always kept me aware of the up and coming events. Only a few days ago, Vincent gave me two maps promoting hiking and biking trails. This will be a big help to me and others. Also, it was Vincent's enthusiasm that got me into snowshoeing and last year we had some great fun snowshoeing in the Victoria County mountains. I will be busy the next few months just keeping up with the number of hikes and events that Vincent and Naturally Active have scheduled. It is my hope that Vincent and Naturally Active will be helping to  keep Victoria County residents healthy for a very long time. Yours sincerely" - Larry Gibbons (Resident - Goldbrook Mine Road) www.larryagibbons.com/bog (Oct. 14, 2015)

StrategySupportCBRLOct202015

StrategyRenewalSupportLetterNSHealthAuthorityHealthyCommunitiesTeam

"On behalf of the Bras D'Or Archers Association; as its president, as a member of the Baddeck Curling Club, as a member of the Bell Bay Golf Club, as an executive member of the Biosphere Northeast Trails Association, and as a resident of Victoria County, I provide this letter in support of the current Naturally Active Victoria County Strategy. The strategy and initiatives implemented are of great value to the community as a whole. As the initial phase of the strategy winds down, I think it is imperative that the County continue on with this initiative by extending it another 5 years. With an aging population and increasing pressure on our health care system, a strategy to keep people involved in physical activity will have long term benefits for our residents from a mental, physical, and social well-being perspective. Hats off to Vince and the many people who have worked hard to develop and implement the strategy and to keep it front and center in the County through social media and community postings. I think the initiatives and programs that have arisen from the strategy should make the County proud that it is actually implementing a strategy that appears to be working and achieving the goals and objectives it set - not an easy thing to do in today's environment. The County has a good thing going and I think it should support the Naturally Active Victoria County initiative for another 5 years. Respectfully" - Stephen Kerr, Baddeck Bay (Oct. 24, 2015)

"On behalf of Angelo Spinazzola and the staff at North River Kayak Tours, I would like to extend my support to Vince and Naturally Active. It is instrumental to have such an organization in the community. It creates a great venue for people to connect as well as get exercise at the same time and gives people a sense of accomplishment. I look forward to participating in the future. Great work Vince!" - (Nov. 4, 2015)

"Keep up the great work, Vince.  I have a great letter in support (Physical Activity Strategy Renewal 2016) of all your work for council" - Jonathan Saul, Victoria County Resident, Volunteer Biosphere Northeast Trails Assoc. Member, Runner, etc. (Dec. 18, 2015) 

 

Angelo Spinazzola commented on Strategy Review / Update 2015

“On behalf of myself and the staff of North River Kayak Tours we would like to express our support for the programming and exciting inititives Mr. Forestall has been involved in over the past number of years. The feedback has been nothing but positive. Mr. Forrestall is the man for the job and we do hope to have the Naturally Active Programming renewed for another 5 years. His work has put many smiles on many faces as well as giving people great opportunities to GET HEALTHY! Good work sir!!!” – Angelo (Nov 4, 2015)

"Our community-based, not-for-profit company, Central Cape Breton Community Ventures, has been encouraged by your enthusiasm in promoting fitness in Victoria County. One of our Committees, is the Wellness Committee, which deals with physical and mental wellness to the residents and visitors of Central Cape Breton. We promote an active and relaxing atmosphere for people of all ages of Central Cape Breton to get “fit”. Without your support over the last 5 years this would not be possible. We would like to congratulate you for taking the many initiatives to improve physical and mental wellness throughout the County of Victoria and offer our support to the continuation of Naturally Active Victoria County. We look forward to continuing working with you. Sincerely" - Ann Marie MacNeil, Chair, Central Cape Breton Community Ventures, Inc (Nov. 8, 2015)

"As always, thank you Vince" (Support for Baddeck Kids Summer Yoga) - Patsy MacKenzie (Yoga Leader & Strategy Implementation Team (VCAN) - Aug. 15, 2015

(Municipal Workplace Wellness Skate & Healthy Potluck-Dec. 17, 2015) - "Good Morning: Sounds like quite a feast - sorry I can't make it. On behalf of myself and the residents of District # 2- thank you for the kindness and hard work over the past year and every year.  May you all have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year" - Athol Grant , District #2 (Dec. 15, 2015)

"Awesome that Physical Activity Leaders course (YMCA Older Adults Certification Course) will be held in Victoria County!" - Eileen Woodford, Director of Rural Health; Chair -Naturally Active Victoria County; Chair - Rural Chronic Disease Committee (Dec. 15, 2015)

"Thank you much Vince (Yoga Leadership Development Assistance), Very much appreciated" - Bev Byson (Oct. 21, 2015)

(Published Yoga Book Circulated locally and to local residents) - "Thank you for your support!" - Patsy MacKenzie, Certified Yoga Instructor & Member of the Strategy Implementation Team VCAN (Victoria County Action Network) Representing Big Bras d'Or - Nov. 10, 2015

"Hi folks; Nice to meet you all last weekend, and thanks Vince and Minga for a great course (Navigation - Nov 14 & 15, 2015" - Adrian Wilson (Participant: Nov 23, 2015)  

"Navigation Course (Nov 14 & 15, 2015) was Excellent" - Claire McNeil, Participant (Nov 22, 2015)

"(Gym in the school in Baddeck) - The facility is pretty good but Trent and Megan (Leaders) are awesome!!!" - Lisa Dixon (Dec. 16, 2012)

"As a chef, the importance of a healthy, nutritious diet has always been at the forefront of my use of local and sustainable ingredients when planning meals and menus.  I have always considered it part of my job to make people aware of healthy dietary choices coupled with an active lifestyle.  To that end I believe that Victoria County’s implementation of the “Naturally Active” Physical Activity Strategy is bringing about a more accessible, with the leadership of Vince Forrestall, means to that end. All too often I hear it said by those who lack knowledge and opportunity that they do not know where to start for a move towards a healthy and active lifestyle, so there is still more work to be done in Victoria County.  I have worked on several programs with Vince on bringing basic healthy cooking skills to places in the county where this guidance would not be otherwise available, and I believe this is a very important building block in the health of our area residents. Therefore, this strategy and Vince Forrestall’s work within it, should be built upon and not be removed from Victoria County’s health and wellness plan; thus continuing to provide both knowledge and opportunity for its residents. Thank you" -Chef, George Smith (Dec. 8, 2015)

"That (Steps in Flight indoor Walking / Mini-steps Discovery Centre Play Programs Finalized Alexander Graham Bell site Baddeck) is so exciting! Wonderful news! Kudos to Vince & Madeline in particular" -Rose Anderson, Manager: Victoria County Memorial Hospital (Dec. 10, 2015) / "Excellent (Will be for strollers and wheelchairs as well)" - Eileen Woodford, Director of Rural Health & Naturally Active Partnership Chair (Dec. 10, 2015)

"Activator Walking Pole Research Project had 15 women over the age of 55. The seventh class just finished. There was good participation with a minimum of twelve participants each week. Vince Forrestall, Naturally Active Victoria County provided $500 for the purchase of pedometers which have been great motivators" - Kathryn Gwynn-Brett, Researcher - Rural Chronic Disease Committee (Nov. 30, 2015)

"FABULOUS program (#ForTheGirls After-school Program at Baddeck Academy)..." - Winnie Asaph Hutchison (Dec. 16, 2015)

"Great! thanks for all your work (Steps in Flight Walking Sign-in Sheet / Waiver)" -  Madeline Harvey, Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and Visitor Experience Manager (Dec. 10, 2015)

Bald Mountain Trail Hike Kicking Off November 2015 (Nov. 1, 2015) - "Thanks Vincent. Thanks for letting me know about the hike. It was fun and good to be with positive people. Take care" - Larry Gibbons (Brook Mine Rd, Middle River, Victoria County)