New I-phone app for CKBW

If you're on the receiving end of a new iPod Touch or iPhone this Christmas -- you will be able to take along CKBW where ever you go. Our parent company - Acadia Broadcasting - has just launched a new app that allows you to listen to our station on your new smart phone or iPod. And soon the leading edge technology will also allow you to see the name of the current song and artist as well as the previous ten songs. You can get the free app by going to our web site at www.ckbw.ca and clicking on the iPhone - iPod button.Blackberry users aren't being left out in the cold - a similar app for their phones is currently in the development stage

Save the CAT

The Region of Queens adding its collective voice to save the CAT. MLA Vicki Conrad, says she'll take the municipalities concerns back to the government. However, she says the cancellation of the ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine was not a total surprise. Conrad says in past meetings with Bay Ferries it's not new knowledge that the company had been struggling to stay viable. Conrad says the NDP will be looking at alternative transportation solutions to the ferry link. She says various stakeholders will be meeting with the Premier on Wednesday to discuss the matter. Bay Ferries announced last week the high speed ferry service isn't longer financially viable and is being dropped next spring putting 120 people out of work.

Community Christmas

The countdown is on but for many Christmas Day can be a lonely one. Recognizing that fact, two Lunenburg Town Councillors came up with a plan for a Community Christmas. The first one last year was a learning curve. Peter Zwicker says this year they've worked on a few changes. Along with a Christmas dinner, there's entertainment and transportation is being provided. Zwicker says there is limited seating at the Lunenburg Fire Hall for 150 but there are still tickets available at Fultons Drug Store . Meantime, the Town of Bridgewater is hosting its first Community Christmas this year. The event is set for one o'clock Christmas Day at the Bridgewater High School.

Overcrowding at South Shore ER

South Shore Health is dealing with overcrowding at its Emergency Department on a daily basis. Acting CEO Alice Leverman says it's a struggle. Some days there are people admitted and no beds. She says there have been stretchers in the hallways and people have waited for up to three days for a bed. Leverman says patient care has not been compromised as quality care is job one. Nursing staff and doctors are continually assessing patient needs, but she says there is a lot of frustration among staff and on the part of families and patients. She says they are looking for some relief with the opening of new long term care beds. 65 of those will be operated by Shannex in Bridgewater this May, while there are also beds opening in Lunenburg, New Germany and New Ross.

South Shore Health's Board Chair steps down

The Chair of South Shore Health's Board of Directors is stepping aside after nine years at the helm. Roxie Smith of Lunenburg has chaired the Board since the creation of the district health authorities in 2001. Her current term expired in September, however, she will remain in the potion until her successor is appointed by the Minister of Health. Smith announced her decision to the Board at the regular monthly meeting on December 18th. Smith says she will probably continue to serve in some health related capacity such as maybe on a task force.

11th day tip from RCMP

"On the Eleventh Day of Christmas Crime Prevention the RCMP told me..... learn about the RCMP Victim Services programs within your community.
Julia Rustad, Program Manager for RCMP Victim Services reminds citizens of the following tips for people after they have been the victim of a crime:
RCMP Victim Services in Nova Scotia is available to people who have experienced a crime such as break and enters, intimate partner violence, serious motor vehicle accidents and fraud.
The RCMP Victim Service Program is a police based program where victims of crime receive information, emotional support and referral from volunteers trained and working under the direction of the RCMP.
The volunteers receive referrals from police officers when there has been a crime committed or a tragedy occurs. RCMP volunteers have several resources in order to do their job, some of which are crime prevention tips, a list of community resources and safety plans for victims of intimate partner violence.

H1N1 Vaccinaion Clinic

Area residents will still have a couple of chances this month to get their H-1-N-1 vaccine. South Shore Public Health says residents can book an appointment today from 10am until 4, as well Tuesday December 22nd or Tuesday December 29th at the Bridgewater office in the Gateway Plaza. To book an appointment call 543-0850. To date it's estimated that more than half of the residents in the South Shore Health District have been vaccinated.

Roundabout adopted

Bridgewater Town Council has confirmed the acceptance of a proposed modern roundabout for the intersection of Aberdeen Road and North Street. It's been determined the roundabout is the way to go as a more efficient and effective as well as safer manner to configure the intersection. Additional land will have to be purchased to accommodate a second lane for left turns to North Street. Agreements are being prepared to purchase adjacent properties . The proposal for a roundabout was first discussed at a public meeting last January.

New Germany House Fire

A family in New Germany is homeless after a fire claimed their home. A mother, her adult son and five-year-old grandson were not home the time the fire broke out.The Canadian Red Cross says they're currently staying with extended family for now.Donations to help the family can be made through the red cross or by calling the New Germany Lions Club.

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic (Thursday, 17th)

Nova Scotia's chief public health officer says the second wave of the H-1-N-1 outbreak appears to be over. Although there are no new lab-confirmed cases or hospitalizations related to the virus, Dr. Robert Strang says there are still unofficial reports of the flu around the province. And with the possibility of a third wave in the new year, he continues to urge people to get vaccinated.There will be a vaccination clinic today from 3 until 7 at the public health offices in New Germany, Chester, Lunenburg and Liverpool. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling 543-0850.

H1N1 Clinic

There will be an H1N1 Vaccination Clinic today from 1-6pm at the Nova Scotia Community College, in Bridgewater.
Adults & Students are reminded to bring their health card with them, no appointment is necessary.

Red Cross assists after South Shore Fire

A mother, her adult son and five-year-old grandson are temporarily homeless after a fire last night destroyed the house they rented in New Germany, Nova Scotia, about 25 kilometres northwest of Bridgewater.
They weren't home at the time so there were no injuries. The Canadian Red Cross says they're staying with extended family for now. One its volunteers will meet with them today to determine any emergency needs.
The cause of the fire, at 5249 Trunk 10, is under investigation.

8th Day of RCMP Christmas Tips

On the eighth day of Christmas the RCMP said to me…buckle up and ensure your seat belt is worn correctly.
S/Sgt. Dan McNaughton, RCMP Traffic Services says, "A properly worn seat belt is key to surviving a motor vehicle crash or collision.
Vehicle operators should also ensure that children are secured in the appropriate car or booster seat."
Before heading out on the road this holiday season, vehicle operators and passengers should note the following:
● It is mandatory that drivers in Nova Scotia wear a seat belt. If
you are caught driving without your seat belt on, you will get 2 points
(demerits) on your licence.
● Seat belts must be maintained in good working order and not
altered in anyway as this can reduce their effectiveness.
● Air bags do not take the place of a seat belt.
● Only one person to a seat belt.
● Young children must be in approved "child restraint system" car
seats suitable for their age, height, or weight.
● Wearing your seat belt properly will dramatically increase your
chance of surviving a motor vehicle collision.
● For every one per cent increase in seat belt usage, five lives
in Canada are saved (Source: Transport Canada).
The RCMP is committed to making Canadian roadways the safest in the world under the Road Safety Vision 2010 and is asking all road users to ensure they do their part to help keep Nova Scotia’s road and highways safe this holiday season.

Beware of Slippery Roads

Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Halifax District are advising motorist that the highways and roads are becoming very slippery and black ice is forming as the temperature starts to drop.
RCMP would like to remind the public that winter driving conditions are upon us and drivers need to use caution when travelling on the roads and highways. Remember to reduce your speed to weather conditions, maintain a safe following distance, be on the look out for potential hazards. Slow down and take your time while traveling and get to your destination safely.

Man struck by car in Blockhouse

A 56 yr old male is in serious condition after being struck by a vehicle on Hwy 324 in Blockhouse yesterday afternoon.According to the investigation the man stepped out onto the road without looking both ways. The man when trasported to South Shorth Regional Hospital then onto the QE 2 in Halifax.The occupants of the car were transported to Fisherman's Hospital for shock sumptoms. The road conditions were wet pavement and fog at the time of the accident.

Visitor Information Kiosks Coming

Bridgewater Town Council has approved the site of the former VIC off Aberdeen Road and the Centennial Trail Parking Lot off Victoria Road as locations for the installation of two Visitor Information Kiosks. Thirteen of the kiosks will be located between Bridgewater and Peggy's Cove. Half the funding for the construction and installation of the kiosks is being provided through the province's Visitor Information Services Enhancement Program as a cost effective alternative to a staffed visitor information centre. Mayor Carroll Publicover says its a short term solution but he would like to see a partnership of neighbouring units to construct a regional tourist bureau that would be fully staffed.

Active Transportation

The Town of Bridgewater has received provincial funding to continue its efforts to become a leading active transportation friendly community. An action plan was approved last June and in recent months the Active Transportation Committee has developed a multi year public engagement action plan. Provincial funding of 25 thousand dollars has been approved for the three year initiative. As part of the funding arrangement, Town Council pre-approved funding for the next two fiscal years of 5 thousand in cash, and 5 thousand in-kind.

Campaign 911

A campaign to prevent impaired drivers from being on the roads was launched today. Campaign 911 encourages and empowers Nova Scotians to call 911 to report a suspected impaired driver. Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, joined Margaret Miller, president of MADD Canada, and law enforcement officials to launch the Campaign which was introduced by MADD Canada in 2007 and now has programs in nine provinces. Effective 911 programs increase impaired driving arrest rates by up to 50 per cent.

7th Day RCMP Tip

On the Seventh Day of Christmas Crime Prevention the RCMP Street Crime Unit said to me..... "When leaving your house empty, protect your valuables from a potential robbery."

Many of us take vacation during the holidays, leaving our homes unattended for an extended period of time. Before you leave consider the following . . .

● Can you look inside your window and see expensive items? Keep
valuables out of view and keep blinds and drapes closed when you’re not home. Don’t hang keys in the home where they are visible through windows.
● Keep valuable belongings (jewellery, papers, certificates, etc.)
out of sight. If possible, keep them in a safety deposit box away from home. Other valuables should be engraved with your name and phone number which will help police identify your property.
● Consider recording the serial number of valuable items and
taking photos of these items, note any identifiable markings.
● Arrange to have a trusted friend or family member check your
residence while you are away. Ask them to collect your mail and newspapers, clear snow from your doorway to make it appear someone is home.
● Consider Forming a Neighbourhood Watch group. Take note of any
suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood.
● Consider an alarm, notification system or timers for lighting
and electronics.

Oxfam Protest

Oxfam Canada and Ecology Action Centre are hoping MP Gerald Keddy gets the message after they display a giant mock oil barrel at his office today to let him know they want him to tell the South Shore MP and his Conservative colleagues that it's time for an oil change.Group members and area residents plan to gather at Keddy's office on Aberdeen Road at one o'clock this afternoon to deliver the 15 foot oil barrel and sing a few modified "Climate Carols".The stunt is part of thousands of events planned in hundreds of countries as part of “The World Wants a Real Deal”campaign to urge world leaders to take bold and immediate steps to sign a binding climate deal in Copenhagen.