Community Conversations

ACALA's Lunch and Learn series is supported by the Municipality of Antigonish and is aimed at increasing awareness of services offered in Antigonish, and highlighting the lived experiences of people in our community. Each month, we will add a summary of each event.

December 2025

Global Festivals - Universal Symbol of Light, Family and Friends, Food Cultures & Traditions, Stories

10 Dec 2025

Diwali • Hanukkah • Christmas • Chinese New Year • Eid

This ACALA Lunch & Learn session gathered a few community members to share the stories, meanings, foods,
symbols, and personal experiences behind five global festivals celebrated across cultures and traditions. Presenters
spoke about their traditions, childhood memories, stories behind these festivals, and their lived practice in
Antigonish — offering glimpses into family life, history, and community belonging.

Family Service Nova Scotia - October 2025

23 Oct 2025

Adrienne Bekkers, Community Programs Coordinator & System Engagement Lead

The session encouraged participants to consider how early influences around toughness, control, and emotional restraint may continue to shape how men relate to their emotions. From a young age, boys often encounter messages suggesting that vulnerability is undesirable. These ideas can be reinforced through media, sports, and broader social norms, which tend to emphasize dominance and discourage emotional openness. Over time, such patterns might contribute to feelings of disconnection or isolation.