Profile of Kevin Toal

Biography

Kevin Toal chronicles the hilarities of raising two kids in Middle Sackville in his weekly column, It's Only Funny When Dad Does It. The father of two is a regular contributor to The Bedford-Sackville Weekly News, tackling everything from development issues to arts and culture.

All articles of Kevin Toal

• EPAs are integral, but improvements are necessary
  When the government sets its mind to do something, I cross my fingers and hope they do it right. However, after speaking with parents and ...
• Harry Potter books will bring in new readers for...
  My daughter was among the many eager fans who caught the midnight showings of the final installment in the Harry Potter saga. For nearly 10 ...
• Watching movies last weeks of school is a waste of...
  This year I was fortunate enough to see outstanding work from teachers and students throughout HRM. I met students who created amazing movies, ...
• A solution for school 'snow days'
  As the school year winds down, I can’t help but think back to the winter. Specifically, the question of 'snow days'. No matter what the school ...
• Books for Kids by Kids
  This September will see the launch of three books by three new authors. What interests me is the fact that the authors will all be students. ...
• Fostering community spirit
  Last Friday, May 26, Mother Nature cooperated with a joint effort between the Atlantic View Trail Association and students from Atlantic View ...
• I love when my plans fall apart
  I never really watched theA-Teambut am familiar with the quote, “I love it when a plan comes together.” No offence to George Peppard but, this ...
• Inspiring students
  One of the perks of writing this column is meeting teachers who inspire their students and make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. ...
• Scholarships aren't just for the super smart, or...
  It's no secret that a university or college education is costly. Just ask any graduate struggling to pay outstanding debts or any current ...
• Thanks to the Internet, anyone can be a high-tech...
  Back when I was a kid, my older brother was bullied. The principal's response to my mother was, "Boys will be boys." In other words, in the ...
• A helping hand
  Maybe I’ve just become more attuned to it over the years, but there really does appear to be an increase in natural disasters. It seems a ...
• Schools beat world record for the most snow angels
  I expect local bookstores will experience a spike in sales when the next Guinness Book of World Records is published. For this they can thank ...
• What are we really telling our kids?
  The Canada Games have come to a highly successful end. It was a wonderful showcase for our young athletes and allowed HRM to shine on a ...
• Students get a chance to test-drive career options
  Ever wonder what it would be like to be dental hygienist? Poking and prodding with dental tools that would have been at home during the Spanish ...
• Student's role in Canada Games will be something to...
  The most memorable moment in my sporting career was coming in second in the school’s high jump competition. I was 15 at the time and stood a ...
• Millwood high video wins $20,000 gift card
  I'm glad to be back with a new column. It will focus on schools in HRM and what's happening in them, the fantastic things students and teachers ...
• Writing an essay on 'stopping'
  It's only funny when dad does it - Sometimes you just have to know when to stop. I've spent countless hours trying to impress that idea upon my ...
• There could be disadvantages to having bilingual...
  When my son Mitchell asked me to help him print off a school project I suddenly realized what his being in French immersion meant. As the pages ...
• Unlike me, my kids love tests
  For the last few weeks, my daughter Sylvia has been cramming for the KidzTalk Spelling Bee. The competition will be held April 25 at the Lions ...
• Sometimes dreams do come true
  I have always been drawn to self-motivators. Writing for The Weekly News over the last four years has introduced me to many such individuals and, ...
• When it comes to school projects, Im torn between...
  Every now and then my kids Mitchell and Sylvia get to do some pretty cool class projects. These assignments are not only educational but allow ...
• Who knew my hare-brained idea would take on a life...
  Have you ever mentioned something in passing only to have it take on a life of its own? Sometimes, if it involves household repairs for example, ...
• Who says youth dont follow politics
• Students take a stand against bullying
  On Sept. 11 this year, people across Nova Scotia were encouraged to wear pink to school or work as a show of support for the initiative. Stand Up ...
• Weatherman warns of catastrophic climate change
  Bedford resident Richard Zurawski is a well-known meteorologist, television and radio host, public speaker and documentary film maker. He's also ...
• Three generations of boxers come together this...
  Three generations of boxers are coming together this Saturday in Sackville. Wayne Gordon and his father, Taylor Gordon have helped organize a ...
• Ant bite 'like a hot needle' jabbed into skin
  LOWER SACKVILLE - In the 1950s, movie audiences were terrorized by giant ants in the classic, Them! Fast forward to the present and the villains ...
• Visioning process will take some insight from...
  MIDDLE SACKVILLE - Originally launched in September 2006, VisionHRM began as a pilot project in Bedford, Fall River and Musquodoboit Harbour. ...
• Talent show fundraiser to help kids in Chernobyl
  HAMMONDS PLAINS - A Hammonds Plains family is once again reaching out to the community to help children in need. Jerry Patterson, his wife Lorri ...