Sunday, January 31, 2010

S.O.S...Shovel Out Seniors

Their motto is "Be Prepared"...now they're committed to helping seniors shovel snow. The local 3rd Bridgewater Scout Troop is getting set to dig out local seniors with a new program called Operation S.O.S. The service is for seniors who do not have the means or connections to have their walks or driveways shoveled after a snowstorm. Shoveling is offered as a stop-gap measure until seniors can find family, friends, or a paid service to help them out. The program was started after Bridgewater Police Service received a call from an elderly woman who needed help to clear her driveway. Her son, who usually cleared her driveway, was away taking his children to university. With serious health concerns, the snow filled driveway was considered a safety issue, and the request was passed to the town's Seniors Safety Coordinator, Beth George, who contacted Scouts Canada - South Shore Area to see if they could help. Area Commissioner & Troop Scouter Peter Biddle came to the rescue, and offered to visit the woman to see how the Scouts could help. The visit turned into a quick shovel job, and the problem was resolved. The incident gave rise to an idea to offer a pilot project to have Scouts shovel out seniors that need their snow cleared.
Seniors can register for the pilot program through the Bridgewater Police Service. or contact Peter Biddle at 543-2445 .

Name the New Lunenburg School

The South Shore Regional School Board has approved the process to name the new P-to-9 school for Lunenburg. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says the School Steering Committee forwarded the recommendation which was accepted by the Board at its monthly January meeting . Suggested names will be invited from all stakeholders including the students who will be attending the new facility. A shortlist of five names will be voted on by the students with the three names that get the most votes presented to the Board, which will make the final decision.
The new 23 million dollar school will be built on the same site as the old school on Knickle Road.