When my husband and I vacationed in Nova Scotia recently, we visited The Ark in Bridgewater, where I was guest storyteller. The Ark is a workshop  for people with physical and intellectual handicaps, where volunteers from the community organization work with the clients.

The Ark in Bridgewater

Linda, one of the clients, introduces me to the audience.

Storytelling at The Ark: My stories for the day were two folk tales— from Peru and England— and a story I had written. The clients enjoy the stories.

Talking with Stephanie (middle) and Rosie (right) about writing and storytelling

David recanes a chair.

Roy (left front) poses for the picture with the birdhouse he made. Maryann at right.

My friend, Maryann, a volunteer at The Ark, gave us a tour of the building. She and her husband John are coaches for the Special Olympics, in which their daughter  Jenn has been involved.

The Ark has a cooking program too. Here’s Jenn preparing food. Photo courtesy of Tim Frauzel at The Ark.

Kenny wears protective gear as he shaves stakes in a special cutter. The stakes will be used as highway markers for work crews. The cutter looks like a big pencil sharpener.

Sales area displaying goods produced by clients include paintings, stamped canvas shopping bags, hooked rugs, and small cabinets and boxes made from wood. Clients are also hired or volunteer to help with tasks for other community agencies and businesses.