I am a Bluenoser from Nova Scotia, a city called Dartmouth, pop 95,000

Mouth is pronounced as muth, not like the mouth, and called Dartmouthians.

I come from away,

Far, far away you say,

We have four seasons, not 10 months of snow,

And I am teased about about, not aboat, don't you know.

Industries such as shipbuilding, commerce, military and lobster fishing,

With hope to entice more business, we are wishing.

I am the youngest in my family,

Shy as a kid but blossomed in musicality and creativity,

I was named after my mother's nanny,

But even more humorous, answering the phone at one job, Hello, SalGroup, this is Sally.

Paddling, swimming and rowing, all sports I have done,

On Lake Banook, middle of Dartmouth, City of Lakes, which was incorporated on January 1, 1961.

Steve Giles, Ruby Keeler, Don Koharski, are or were citizens of this ocean playground,

Even Arnie Patterson, of CFDR, a former press secretary to former PM Pierre Elliott Trudeau, when he Was around.

A master competitive rower, we row backwards in regattas year to year,

in competitions with athletes coming from far and near.

Rendering successes with joyous elation out loud,

Medals have been placed around my neck, of which I am proud.

In recognition of rewarding times, it was bestowed unto thee,

a boat in the boat bay of my rowing club named after me.

It's called the Dancing Dean, who, what, where and why?

For all the teen dance revenue over five years, in days gone by,

It purchased a new boat, which was welcomed by our members,

Proof in the pudding, that hard work and perseverance, produced the right measure.

My work life has been a variety of long and shorts,  

Retail, Admin support in transport, Autoport and aborts of sorts.

Skills consisted of sales, reception, computer, shipping and receiving,

Answering phones, customer service, Microsoft Office, banking, some hours into the evening,

Agnew Surpass, Acosta Sales and Marketing, Household Finance, all now in the past,

Held in high regard and created memories that will last.

However, most notably of course, are the friendships I've kept

All with me through the ups and downs with each and every step.

Loaded up my suitcase, computer and trunk,

And here I am now, in Paradise called Maui, who would have thunk,

I have had incredible moments stepping up to the task,

As it seems to me not much to ask,

For a second, a minute, or hours to help and assist,

To give of one's time, one day, or enlist,

Volunteering is caring, fun, supportive, and joyful,

My first Rotary Club has been good to me, I could give you an earful.

Efforts are recognized, respected and revered by one and all,

when one starts a new life, being welcomed into new halls,

The path that offered a road less taken,

Opened my mind to new friends, and family ties awakened.

Mahalo nui loa hoaloha for allowing me this time

To share with you a history given to you in rhyme.

Aloha, Auntie Sally

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Notes on history of Dartmouth:

Dartmouth was initially a sawmill and agricultural outpost of Halifax. However, in the mid 19th century, it grew, first with the construction of the Shubenacadie Canal and more importantly with the rise of successful industrial firms such as the Dartmouth Marine Slips, the Starr Manufacturing Company, and the Stairs Ropeworks.
 

In 1873, Dartmouth was incorporated as a town and a Town Hall was established in 1877. In 1955, the town was permanently linked to Halifax by the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge which led to rapid suburban growth. The Town of Dartmouth amalgamated with several neighbouring villages into the City of Dartmouth in 1961. The A. Murray MacKay Bridge opened in 1970, furthering commercial and residential growth. The Dartmouth General Hospital opened in 1976.

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The city was dissolved on April 1, 1996, when its government was amalgamated into the Halifax Regional Municipality.