Growing Green Festival Enjoys Successful Weekend

A weekend festival has enjoyed one of its most successful years to date. Organizers with the Growing Green Festival say this year's event had one of its best turnouts in its four year history. The free concerts, street fest and local food dinner at Wiles Lake Farm Market were among the crowd-pleasers. Festival Chair Patrick Hirtle says the event went off without a hitch.



Hirtle says the Festival is open to new ideas for next year. The committee has targeted the August 17 weekend in 2013 as next year's date.

Lunenburg: Canucks Win Dory Races Over U.S.

Team Canada took home the trophy at the 60th International Dory Races in Lunenburg over the weekend. Canada captured three out of five races.

 Results below:




Junior Exhibition Race (No U.S Team)

Jorgen Martin & Nathaniel Beck - 7:02.93

Senator Bruce Tarr & Kelly George - 7:16.27

Mixed / Co-Ed

Mike Frontiera & Elin DiAngelo (U.S) - 6:13.19

Tim Mair & Dorothy MacDonald (CAN) - 6:24.48

Women's

Patianne Verburgh & Gail Atkinson (CAN) - 6:38.25

Denise Desautels & Edie Wald-Smith (U.S) - 7:06.23

 Over 40's / Masters

Danny Moody & Walter Nickerson (CAN) - 6:09.27

Mike Harmon & John Scola (U.S) - 6:13.70

Senior Men's

Erik Dombrowski & Joe Sanfillippo (U.S) - 10:25.38

Joel George & David Croft Jr. (CAN) - 10:57.41

Queens Health Project Nears Fundraising Goal

Members of the fundraising committee behind the Queens General Health expansion project can see the finish line. The community campaign to raise $1.5 million began last November and the latest figures indicate the group is only $30,000 shy of its overall goal. Campaign chair Christopher Clarke says residents have supported the fundraising efforts from the very beginning.





The Queens Foundation will contribute $11 million towards the expansion with additional support from the Region of Queens, and the Nova Scotia Government. The $16 million dollars project includes a new collaborative health care clinic in Liverpool and extensive upgrades at the hospital's existing 22 bed medical unit.

Chester: Veteran Councillor Set To Re-Offer

A veteran councillor is Chester has announced her intentions to re-offer in municipal elections this fall. Sharon Church-Cornelius was first elected in 1999 and is seeking a fourth term in District 7. As a long time resident of the Windsor Road, she believes the Kaizer Meadow wind project is just one example of the good work being carried out by council.



If re-elected, Church-Cornelius says she will continue to ensure residents tax dollars are spent appropriately and that the municipality remain fiscally responsible. She says her time on council has been rewarding and believes her experience will be an asset when a new council is elected.

Dexter: NDP Vows To Create Jobs on South Shore

Premier Darrell Dexter says the province will speed-up already planned projects to create jobs along the South Shore. The provincial NDP government announced $15 million for road improvements in Lunenburg, Shelburne and Queens Counties late last week. The bulk of the money is spread over three projects with $2.9 million in new paving in East River, $2.7 million on route 203 in Shelburne and $1.8 million for Highway 103 between Exit's 17 and 18. Dexter says the investments will help stimulate the economy in light of some recent setbacks in the region.



The province also plans to upgrade Rissers Beach along with improvements to the T.H. Raddal Provincial Park in Queens and The Island Provincial Park in Shelburne County. Dexter says tenders will go out soon and work will be carried out over the next year.

Baillie Calls For Bowater Land Protection

A public campaign is heating up to persuade the provincial government to buy back thousands of hectares of land to prevent it from falling into the hands of a foreign forestry company. The land includes three plots that comprise 220-thousand hectares in Annapolis, Halifax, Hants, Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne counties. The land once belonged to the Bowater Mersey paper mill, which shut down in June. The province's PC leader, Jamie Baillie, is calling upon the Dexter government to work toward protecting the lands.



The province already bought 10-thousand hectares for 24 million dollars as part of the deal to keep Bowater up and running. However, the mill closed anyway within a few months.

Wildwood Cafe Closing September 30

The Wildwood Cafe in Bridgewater is closing its doors. Owners Aaron Brown and Mary Gallardo have decided to shut down the popular eatery September 30. Brown says its time for something new.



The King Street cafe employs up to four people. The restaurant won numerous awards since it opened in February 2009 including Progress Magazine's Best Lunch Spot in the Maritimes in 2010. Brown says people in Bridgewater were very welcoming and they've enjoyed their time on the South Shore.

Peewee 'AAA' Bulldogs Win Provincial Baseball Crown

The Bridgewater Bulldogs peewee 'AAA' baseball team will get a chance to defend their Eastern Canadian Championship crown. The Bulldogs won the provincials over the weekend, defeating the Tri-County Rangers 10-6 in the final. Coach Dennis Woodworth says back-to-back provincial titles at a "AAA" level has never been accomplished in Bridgewater.




Bulldogs player Zack Zinck was named tournament MVP. The local club will head to the Eastern Canadian Championships from September 6-9 in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Back To School Do's & Dont's

Its back to school in just over a week for South Shore students. In the lead up, parents are busy outfitting their kids with new clothes and school supplies. Whether your child is headed to high school or university, the Better Business Bureau serving the Atlantic Provinces has some Back-to-School basics. Jill Atkinson of the Bureau says a new school year can be exciting, but it is important to have a plan in place. She says don't go overboard, plan ahead and stick to a budget.




When shopping for anything from new attire to electronic items, the BBB has these tips to help you be a savvy back-to-school shopper:
1). Set a budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend per child, and know what your child’s school allows. Schools will often provide parents with a list of required items for the school year, which can help determine what you need to purchase. After taking inventory, create a shopping list and stick to it. This will help you avoid costly impulse purchases and ensure nothing is forgotten.
2). Ask about returns and refunds. Shopping for new clothes, accessories and gadgets is one of the highlights of going back to school. When buying new gear, always take the time to ask the store about their refund, return and exchange policy and always keep the receipts.
3). Don’t be fooled by misleading bargains. Back-to-school sales may not be the bargains they appear to be. Read ads and coupons; conditions, timeframes and restrictions must be listed. If an offer is misrepresented, see the store manager.
4). Expensive items: Ask about the warranty. How long is it in effect and what does it cover? Weigh the pros and cons of an extended warranty plan.
5). Shop smart online. Find out the physical location and phone number of the merchant. Read the refund and return policy, have in writing any warranty or guaranty details, be familiar with delivery/shipping costs and time schedules, feel comfortable that the merchant is reliable and not the subject of an unusually large number of consumer complaints, check the privacy policies, and be sure that any information you submit to complete the sale transaction (credit card number, etc.) will be treated with the proper care.
6). Carefully check out businesses. Check with the BBB before doing business with any retail store or online website that you are unfamiliar with. A company Business Review can be found at ... www.atlanticprovinces.bbb.org .... or by calling ....1-877-663-2363.

ER Closure: Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg

The emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg will be closed for a period of time over the weekend. Officials at the hospital say the closure will take place on Sunday evening beginning at 5 o'clock until Monday morning at 7:30AM. The closure is due to the unavailability of staff. All those requiring emergency care are being directed to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Queens Residents Receive Diamond Jubilee Medal

Four Queens County residents have been honoured by the premier. Darrell Dexter recognized Liverpool natives Jamie Belong, Beverley Crouse and posthumously to Robert "Scottie" Rodger with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Milton's Alexandra Stephenson also received the medal. The medals were awarded to the four people for their contributions to the province. Today's recipients were nominated personally by the premier. They were presented the medals during a ceremony in Liverpool. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal commemorates the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the Throne, and honours her service and dedication to Canada.

Sod Turning For Queens General Health Project

Hundreds of residents gathered in Liverpool today to celebrate the ground breaking ceremony for the Queens General Health project. The sod was turned on the $16 million dollar project which will see a new collaborative health care clinic constructed directly behind the existing hospital and the redevelopment of 22 inpatient units. Dr. Gary Ernest has practiced in Queens for the past 30 years. He says the project will benefit both staff and patients.



The QGH project should be complete by the end of 2013.

South Shore Hospitals Still Facing Bed Crunch

The CEO of South Shore Health is asking residents to be patient while staff work through a bed shortage in Bridgewater and Lunenburg. The health authority indicates bed space remains extremely limited at both hospitals in Lunenburg County. Dr. Peter Vaughan says staff are working diligently to meet the needs of those requiring medical attention at both emergency departments.



Vaughan says the situation has improved dramatically at Queens General Hospital in Liverpool over the past few weeks. South Shore Health is encouraging those requiring non-emergency care to use the 8-1-1 phone service or visit their nearest walk-in clinic.

Bridgewater Police Officer Facing Assault Charges

A member of the Bridgewater Police Service has been charged by the province's Serious Incident Response Team. Forty-six year-old Christine Bonnell of Bridgewater faces two charges of assaulting a man. The charges are related to a domestic violence complaint received by Bridgewater Police on August 1. The charges are for alleged incidents in July. Bonnell was not on active duty when the alleged incidents occurred. She is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court August 29.

Mustangs Open Up Training Camp

The dog days of summer are upon us and with it comes the start of hockey season. The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs open up training camp this evening. The Mustangs are coming off one of their best regular seasons in team history, but a disappointing first round playoff exit. Camp opens up tonight from 6:30-8pm at the Bridgewater Arena.

Mustangs Training Camp Schedule:

All ice times are at the Bridgewater arena.


Fri. Aug 24 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Sat. Aug 25 - 10:00 am-11::30am and 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Sun. Aug 26 - 10:00 am-11::30am

Fri. Aug. 31 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Sat. Sept 1 - 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Sun. Sept 2 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm

Lohnes Holds Fundraiser In Lunenburg

Bridgewater's Whitney Lohnes is looking for your support to help her get to tournaments and training camp. The local judoka will be at the Lunenburg Subway Saturday from 10:30-1:30pm. She is selling tickets on a summer-themed gift basket and is also holding a 50/50 draw. Money raised is expected to go towards a tournament in Samoa, a camp in Japan and the University Games in Russia. Lohnes is trying to make it to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Growing Green Festival Opens In Bridgewater

A unique festival dedicated to sustainability opens up tonight in Bridgewater. The Growing Green Festival kicks off its two-day event this evening with a number of events including free concerts at King Street Court. The festival comes into full effect Saturday with exhibitors and activities along King Street and throughout Lunenburg County. Festival chair Patrick Hirtle says the event challenges people to think about more they could be doing.



Hirtle expects roughly 2,000 people to take-in the two day event. This is the festival's fourth year. A reminder for residents that King Street between Empire and Dominion will be closed Saturday to traffic from 7am until 2pm for the festival. For full details, go to http://www.bridgewater.ca/growing-green/growing-green-festival.html .

Diesel Fuel Users Hit By Price Increase

No change this morning on the South Shore in the price of one type of gasoline. However, there's a surprise increase in the price of another. Regular self serve is unchanged in price at $1.34.7 per litre. Diesel is up though, by more than two cents. Its selling at $1.37.1 per litre.

Is Wayward Peacock On South Shore Mayor's Campaign Team?

Its election campaign time these days for many South Shore municipal politicians. Among them is the mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. However, Don Downe is hoping a wayward peacock that's turned up in his backyard is not applying to be his campaign manager.



Mayor Downe says he's done everything to shuffle the bird off to someone else but the peacock just will not budge. Downe is hoping someone will claim the bird and take it off his hands. So, if your peacock is missing, it might be over at Don Downe's house. You can call the mayor's office to claim it.

Bluenose II Re-Launch Expected In Mid-September

Picture of Bluenose II as of 9:15am Aug 24

The government's project manager for the Bluenose II is projecting a mid-September re-launch date. Bill Greenlaw says there is still plenty of work to be done on the vessel including installing the rudder before it can be put into the water. He's commending workers in Lunenburg for their efforts in transferring the schooner from its renovation area to the marine slipway.



The side transfer was completed Thursday in a matter of hours. The schooner has undergone an extensive $16-million rebuild along the Lunenburg Waterfront.