Dozens of residents – known as participants – staff, friends and family attended Wednesday evening’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Breton Ability Centre in Sydney River. The front lawn of the centre was turned into a festival of live song, artisans and food vendors. Photo by Rosemary Godin /Cape Breton PostArticle contentBreton Ability Centre in Sydney River celebrated 50 years of operation Wednesday evening by turning its front lawn into a free concert venue, vendor market and food court. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“When we opened our doors in 1975, disability rights were still finding their voice,” said CEO Harmon Singh. “Thanks to the advocacy of families and allies we have come so far.” Article contentArticle contentShe said through the years, participants and staff have created a program where everyone belongs in the true spirit of inclusivity. Singh thanked the staff for their ongoing care and support of participants who live in residence and use the programs and services. Article contentArticle contentCurrently, Breton Ability helps about 100 individuals with varying abilities reach their full potential and achieve a life that is meaningful to them. The centre creates individualized development plans for each person and supports them in developing social, personal, vocational and educational skills. This helps enable their transition into community-based living options and participate actively in their communities. Article contentOn Wednesday, many participants attended the live concert event along with friends and family from the CBRM community. Article content“You inspire us each and every day,” Singh told participants. Article content Breton Ability Centre in Sydney River celebrated its 50th year of operation with a free concert and festival on its front lawn on Wednesday evening. From left are CEO Harmon Singh, Sydney-Glace Bay MP Mike Kelloway and emcee, performer and entertainment organizer Joe Costello of CBRM Recreation. Kelloway presented a special parliamentary certificate of congratulations to the Centre. Photo by ContributedArticle contentSydney-Glace Bay MP Mike Kelloway was on hand to congratulate Breton Ability and donate a parliamentary certificate honouring the centre. Article contentArticle content“This is an amazing community,” said Kelloway. “This certificate congratulates you for half a century of dedicated service.” Article contentArticle contentThe concert was organized by Joe Costello who is a performer himself and also CBRM program coordinator for arts, culture and creative events. He is in charge of the Makin’ Waves summer program at Wentworth Park. Article contentCostello was the first performer and the emcee at the Breton Ability celebration Wednesday. Article content“I love this because I get to meet so many incredible people,” he spoke from the stage to the dozens of people gathered to listen to local entertainment and eat supper from the food trucks there. Article contentHe opened his set with a song he wrote himself and was given hearty applause when he announced the title: In Love with this Town.Article contentOther entertainers were Jofo and Max Murphy. Article content
Breton Ability Centre in Sydney River marks 50 years
