Humphreys purchased the business, located in the Sobey’s Plaza, Fall River, in March 2008. The Miller Lake resident is married and has two children. She became familiar with The Exceeding Reading Program when her son, now a grade five student, enrolled seeking support with his reading. “I was so impressed with the Exceeding Reading Program, and the impact it had and the progress my son made when attending, that I decided to look into purchasing the business. I eventually did, and we are really excited to be here,” she said.

Humphreys offers a variety of opportunities for learning, and they are available to everyone, including adults. “We are definitely open to adults; they are more than welcome!” said Humphreys. “The program is adapted to meet each individuals needs, specializing in private sessions. It’s reading, spelling, and writing all encompassed into one. I saw the progress my son made and it amazed me! The program is wonderful.”

The Exceeding Reading Language System © is based on phonetics – where sounding out words is encouraged. “It takes the struggle out of reading,” Humphreys said.

Humphreys and Miller Lake Learning Center, offers tutoring classes after school and also has homework-support sessions available. “We wanted to offer help to busy parents, many who work and simply don’t always have the time needed to assist their kids with homework every day,” said Humphreys. “As well as our Certified Instructors, we have a very responsible and reliable honours student who works here after school; tutoring and homework support.”

Humphreys offers a pre-school program all year round. “In the summer we will have 2 Blocks of classes set up.  Two weeks in July and two weeks in August, 1.5 hours each day. The pre-school program is geared to help prepare children for school and develop a solid phonic base,” Humphreys said.

Humphreys is pleased with her decision to purchase a license to operate Exceeding Reading Language System© in Fall River. “I am so excited to be able to offer others the kind of help my family needed,” she said.  “Just like other frustrated parents – I’ve been where they are. And I have seen the results of the Exceeding Reading program in my own child’s progress and abilities. I hope people will drop in to our Open House and say hello! Stop by and enjoy the refreshments; have a look and meet us.”

Humphreys sees enrolment in the Exceeding Reading program as a win-win situation for everyone involved. “It’s no ones fault when children struggle,” she said.  “Sometimes kids just need different help, and I believe our programs offer that. It’s an option I’m happy we explored!”

“Moose-mild and lots of food was the order of the day,” said Beaver Bank Lions Club member Chris. “The music was contagious, and a jig or two was danced. Councillor Dalrymple had a great time!”

District 2 Councillor Barry Dalrymple dropped into Saturdays Lions Club Levee in Beaver Bank to share a bit of conversation and good company with other guests. It was the first time he has attended the Beaver Bank event. Dalrymple is a member of the Fall River Lions Club, and says he was thrilled to receive an invitation to the Beaver Bank Levee.

“I’d like to pass on a huge thanks to the Beaver Bank Lions Club for their invitation to this years Levee, which had been postponed to Saturday. It was a lot of fun to ring in the New Year with new friends and old acquaintances - the Lions Club always puts on terrific events.”

Guests could relax, have a refreshment, enjoy a tasty treat, and listen to local musicians who kindly provided tunes for the day. Entertainers included Vic Aalders and George Hall, who were assisted by Lion Don Graham.

“The tables were full of food and the bowls were a tasty “moose milk”; the music certainly topped it all off,” said the Councillor. “It’s always an enjoyable day when you get to meet and spend time with Volunteers, and like most Lions Clubs, these folks support many programs and events through the Lions, and then volunteer and join so many other organizations as well.”

Guests mingled, chatting with one another; some made new friends and others, including Dalrymple, took the opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances.  “It was so nice to see long-time Lion Ralph Williams from Sackville drop by for a visit,” Dalrymple said, “to sing Happy Birthday to former King Lion Dan, and to meet Gladys again - we worked together 35 years ago at the Ashburn Golf Course.” Dalrymple chuckled. “You know you haven’t changed a bit when someone still recognizes you from that many years ago!”

Dalrymple says he is impressed by the people he serves in District 2, the many residents and volunteers who often go out of their way to contribute to events in the communities where they live and work, and who try to make a difference where they can.

“I also want to thank Jack at the Black Crow, as I know they put on a terrific New Years Eve party, and when we dropped in enroute to the Levee(BB), the gang was still putting on a great Brunch and atmosphere,” Dalrymple said.

“Without question, it is all the terrific people and volunteers we have spread right across our District, that make this the wonderful place it is to live and raise our families, and the last few days have only reinforced that,” Dalrymple said. “From Thursdays Levee’s at the Fall River LWF Hall and in Wellington at the Fire Hall, to Friday nights extended Levee function in Wellington to Saturday’s event at the Lions Club in Beaver Bank – folks in District 2 brought the New Year in just right.”

“I certainly would like to wish all the people in the HRM, and in particularly in our District 2, all the best in 2009,” said Dalrymple,  “be a friend, be a good neighbour, and be a wonderful volunteer.”

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New Years Day arrived with gusto! Snow and blizzard-like conditions pummelled most of Nova Scotia on the first day of 2009, and while many levees across the province were cancelled, the levee at the LWF Hall in Fall River went ahead as planned.

“We’re a different breed here in Fall River,” laughed District 2 Councillor Barry Dalrymple. “While every other event in the HRM – and probably the province – was cancelled, we went ahead and had a pretty good crowd.”

The LWF New Years Levee is a long-time community tradition, and in the past few years, there has been standing room only. “This year, we had 80-100 people,” said Dalrymple. “And they stayed late due to the storm. The communities came together; some people did food, some did phone calls, Firemen kept the parking lot plowed, and others shovelled walks and stairways.”

Music for the day was provided by Jeff Bonang, from Dartmouth; Jeff played last years levee as well. “We bring him back because he plays for all age groups, does his own comedy in between, and just generally brings a lot of enthusiasm and fun to the day,” said Dalrymple.

The Wellington Fire-Community Hall was also open and ran their New Years Levee that day, extending it into Friday night. “I dropped by there last night, and well-wishers were out to bring in the New Year with friends and family,” said Dalrymple.

According to the Councillor, people at the LWF New Years Day Levee “had a blast”.

“We had a lot more fun than sitting around at home, letting the storm conditions win out,” said Dalrymple. “Those that came out had tons of fun – can’t let a little thing like a storm get us down!”

Mrs. Yorke lived in Fall River many years ago, but moved to Bedford and then to Sackville. She returned to Fall River in September, after forty years away, and now resides with her grand-daughter, Joanne, and her family.

During the day, Mrs. Yorke was able to share a chat with Mrs. Lillian Wyse of Waverley, who is a long-time member of member of St. Thomas Anglican Church, (and who is also in her nineties!).

To top her day off, Mrs. Yorke was surprised by a visit from MLA Percy Paris, who dropped by her party and presented her with a certificate recognizing her milestone birthday.

“I really enjoyed the day,” said Mrs. Yorke. “I never thought I would ever be baptized; I thought I was too old, so it was nice I was able. The day was good, very good, all of it, from start to finish.”

Recently, Reynolds received a new computer, a Sony laptop, thanks to the efforts of Rick Cruse and his wife Debbie – Rick is the pastor of the Fall River Chapel. When the Cruse’s heard about Linda’s plight, they decided to see what they could do to help her get the computer she needed to continue communicating with the outside world. “I was very healthy prior to being diagnosed – I played rugby, I ran – and I loved to exercise and to dance,” said Reynolds. “I now can do very little as my disease has progressed quickly. I have an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 8 and I am on pain meds and various drugs to alleviate symptoms.”

Born in the UK, Reynolds left at the age of 17 and travelled, ending up in Calgary in 1997. “I first began to notice symptoms after I would run. My body would heat up and I would lose vision,” she said “It is called Optic neuritis and it is a very common first symptom of my disease.”

The Cruse’s efforts to garner a computer for Reynolds were successful – they met their goal through generous donations from Fall River Chapel members; donations from Fall River Scotia Bank, Fall River; the Riverlake Lions Club; and the staff and management of Future Shop, Bayers Rd.

“The Chapel also provided me with speech-recognition software,” said Reynolds, “I only have the use of my right arm and a few fingers to type with, so this is a God-send. I can now write and email quicker, and it is less laborious. It saves what precious energy I do have.”

Previously Reynolds received care at The Adelaide Respite Inn, located in Waverley; however that has changed in the last while. “I no longer go to the Adelaide, as I have found sufficient care. I have a live-in coming in January,” she said. “My level of disability requires so much more care than people realize.”

With the exception of her son and husband, Reynolds has no family living nearby; and the new computer will allow her to keep in touch with the relatives she is separated from, those who live half a world away. “Receiving the laptop, with webcam, brings my family and friends into my home. Having no family here, this means so much,” she said.

Reynolds is thrilled to be able to again communicate with the outside world, something that is becoming more and more difficult as her disease progresses. The new laptop will allow her to comfortably “travel’ outside of her home, something that is rare at the moment. She hopes to one day acquire a van so she can accompany her son and husband on outings, and it would make trips to the doctors and hospital a bit easier. “I do not have wheels yet – that would be a long-term goal – like stem cell treatment,” she said.  “I get out about once a quarter, mainly to hospital appointments. The winter months are the hardest for the elderly and for those with disabilities.”

Reynolds says she is happy knowing there are still people in the world who are willing to help others, even those they don’t know. “A young man, Kyle, works at the Future Shop, and he made a donation in-store while Debbie was collecting the laptop,” said Reynolds. “His unquestionable act of selflessness and kindness leaves me speechless.”

Reynolds says the experience moved her, and left her wanting to do something for another person in need.  “The generosity of Fall River Chapel members is amazing. How do I say thank-you? I thought of sending flowers, but what does that do?” Reynolds asked. “So, I’ve checked on-line and am making a donation on their behalf to canadahelps.org.  Six dollars buys a mosquito net and saves a life.”

“The kindness of others and their willingness to give – to a complete stranger – overwhelms me,” Reynolds says “It makes me look at the world, to see how I can help others, to ‘pay-it-forward’.”