26th Lobster Fest In Shelburne County

It's a tradition to celebrate the success and importance of the lobster industry in Shelburne County. The 26th lobster festival kicks off today with a full slate of activities planned over the next four days. Director of Parks and Rec Marilyn Johnson says the festival serves as the kick off to the summer season.



Opening ceremonies will be held on Friday at the Barrington Arena at 7 o'clock. Festivities will be held throughout the county. For a complete list of events - click on the link below.

http://www.municipalityofshelburne.ca/pdfs/2012/2012%20program%20lobster%20festival%20for%20display.pdf

Health Authority Receives High Marks From Accreditation Canada

South Shore Health is close to having top marks from Accreditation Canada. The local health authority received a 95% on its required standards in the organization's final report. Incoming CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan says they scored very well overall but still need to do things better. He says staff need to ask patient identifiers, like their names and date of birth, consistently, to meet requirements.



Vaughan says if improvements are made in patient identification and client and family safety, South Shore Health could reach accreditation with commendation.

Birthday: Town of Lunenburg Celebrates 259th

The town of Lunenburg is set to blow out the candles for its 259th birthday today. A number of celebrations are planned to mark the occasion including a gathering at Bluenose Academy at 1PM on Thursday. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says a portion of the celebration with focus on the youth of the community.



Meanwhile, the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation will host their inaugural "World Ocean's Day" at the Captain Angus Walters house on Tannery Road beginning this afternoon. There will be live music, educational displays and demonstrations beginning at 3 o'clock. The celebration runs until 9PM this evening.

Bluenose II: NS Gov' Contacts Lunenburg Council

Some members of Lunenburg town council are calling on the Nova Scotia government to provide more information on the launch of the Bluenose II. But the province's heritage minister says they can't because they don't know when it will happen. Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney and Councillor Jamie Myra say they want the government to be more upfront on the precise launch of the Bluenose II so the region can capitalize on possible tourism benefits. However, Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra says the government isn't trying to be secretive on the launch date -- it simply doesn't know when it will happen. Preyra says the schooner will launch by the end of the summer, but they don't want to set a date and not meet it. Work crews are expected to begin removing the temporary shelter housing the Bluenose II on Thursday.

More Students Graduate From Verge House

"Verge House" in Bridgewater has celebrated nearly three decades of service to the area with its 2012 Graduation Ceremonies.  Among the speakers at yesterday’s event, were District of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe and Bridgewater High Vice-Principal Deanna Rawding.  Special guest speaker was former school board member,  Mary Ellen Clancey. 

Over the past 29 years, Verge House has been teaching young Lunenburg and Queens County adults with special needs.  There, they prepare themselves for employment, and learn how to lead independent and productive lives in the community. 

The six students who graduated yesterday from the Transition Program are:  Benjamin Feltham, Chad Herman, Laura-Lee Hynick, Jenny Lastimosa, Brett Veinot and Nathan Whynot.

Yesterday’s ceremonies were bittersweet for the Transition Program.  Genevieve McCarthy is retiring from her position as head teacher after more than a quarter-century of service.

South Shore Gasoline Prices May Be Lower Friday

Here's an indication that gasoline prices here on the South Shore may head downward overnight tonight.  In New Brunswick this morning, there's a break at the pumps.  Regular self-serve is down 3.6 cents per litre.  The new maximum price per litre in New Brunswick today is just over $1.25 per litre.

RCMP Nab Man Driving 109km/hr Over Speed Limit

Talk about driving over the speed limit. A 21-year-old Chester Basin man has been charged with stunting after South Shore RCMP clocked him driving 209 km/hr in a 100 km/hr zone. The incident happened around 6:45 Thursday morning between exits five and six on highway 103. The man's 1996 Volvo was immediately seized at the scene. He faces a fine of over $2,400 if found guilty.