Bowater Mill Requests Power Discount

Bowater Mersey officials will have to wait for a ruling by the UARB on their request for a power discount. Officials of the paper mill in Brooklyn appeared before the provincial utility review board yesterday to ask for a five year discounted power rate for electricity. Abitibi/Bowater Director of Public Affairs, Pierre Choquette says they have addressed the challenges that lie ahead in regards to the energy issue. Choquette says the issue is critical to the paper mills future. Bowater Mersey and NewPage Port Hawkesbury, now closed, both applied for a load retention tariff from Nova Scotia Power. That would mean higher power rates for other consumers.

Truck for Tancook Island

Residents of Tancook Island will benefit from a truck donated by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The truck is considered surplus to the department, but will be of value to the Tancook Island Emergency Response Association. Chester/St. Margaret's MLA, Denise Peterson-Rafuse says she's pleased she was able to work with municipal and provincial government officials to make this happen. Under the Surplus Crown Disposal Act, not-for-profit groups across the province can apply to receive surplus items from the department, including vehicles, recreation equipment and office furniture.

Solar Energy Installation Session

Shelburne residents will get a chance to hear about the benefits of solar energy installations at an information session this evening. Representatives from Nova Scotia Power, Efficiency Nova Scotia and Doctor Solar will also be providing information on programs and incentives for solar installations. The session which will present information for both commercial and residential settings takes place tonight, (Tues.Oct. 25th) at 6:30 p.m. at the Shelburne Community Centre.

Meet & Greet NDP Leadership Candidate

Federal NDP leadership candidate Brian Topp will be in Town today. (Monday, October 24th)  A Meet & Greet is being sponsored by the  South Shore/St. Margaret's Federal Riding Association at the Day's Inn on North Street from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Supporters and members of the general public are welcome. There will be a membership table for new members and renewals.

Peformance Review of SSRSB

Education Minister Ramona Jennex is expected to receive the performance review of the South Shore Regional School Board today. Deloitte Inc. was appointed by the Nova Scotia government to conduct the review which was launched following allegations that some board members tried to derail an open discussion on the future of 12 schools before a March 30 meeting. Determining whether the board adhered to all provincial legislation, policies and regulations, as well as the board's bylaws and policies was to be addressed by the review. It will also try to determine if the board exhibits good governance practices, such as respectful and professional behaviour, effective use of information in decision-making and transparency.

Flu Vaccine Clinic

MONDAY.....OCTOBER 24th
Today's Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinic will be held in Bridgewater at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 78 Alexandra Avenue from 1 to 7 p.m.

Queens General Health Project Update

South Shore Health is preparing to issue its first tender related to the Queens General Health Project. The tender, which includes clearing, grubbing, grading and gravelling of a small parcel of land next to Queens General Hospital, will be issued later this month with work expected to begin in November. South Shore Health negotiated the purchase of the land, behind the apartment building at 5 Shore Road, to serve as a lay-down area for material during construction and a parking lot at the completion of the project. Purchase of the land will also allow South Shore Health to delay the demolition of the old nurses’ residence. The Queens General Health Project includes the creation of a new primary care clinic and redevelopment of the 22-bed in-patient unit at Queens General Hospital. The total budget of 16 million dollars includes construction and renovation costs, site development, and professional fees. More than 14 million has already been committed, including $11 million from the Queens Foundation and private donors. The province has invested 2.5 million and the Region of Queens Municipality has committed 1 million. A fundraising committee consisting of members of the community has been created to raise the remaining 1.5 million. Detailed planning is underway for the project. Once complete, South Shore Health will hold an open house to share the proposed design and architectural drawings with the public. Construction is expected to begin in late spring 2012.


For more information visit http://www.southshorehealth.ca/queens-general-health-project/ for the latest news about the Queens General Health Project

Family Homeless After Saturday Fire

A couple and their adult son are temporarily homeless after a fire Saturday afternoon (October 22)extensively damaged a wood-frame house near Stanford Lake. Chester Fire Department responded to the call at 4101 Highway 3 around 4:30 Saturday afternoon. Smoke was coming out of the roof through the ventilation system. Firefighters were able to contain the fire from spreading beyond the attic but the house sustained water and smoke damage. A team of Canadian Red Cross volunteers from Bridgewater have assisted the family with emergency lodging, food and clothing. There were no injuries and several pet dogs also escaped unharmed.

Milton Man Dies in Fire



Photo, courtesy of
 Brenda Cunningham



A Queens County man has died from injuries he sustained in a fire over the weekend. Sixty-one year old Borden Croft of Milton was taken to hospital in Halifax but later died.  Police and fire officials were called to the house fire on Pleasant Street in Milton shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday, October 23rd. Croft was alone in the home at the time. A preliminary investigation indicates the fire is not suspicious.

Lunenburg woman's dessert earns her $25,000

Glo McNeil

A Lunenburg woman is $25,000 richer after her dessert won the sweet pies category of the Recipe to Riches TV show. Glo McNeill won the first episode of the new reality show, for her "Lucious Lemon Pudding Cakes." McNeill says she's received a tremendous amount of feedback from people coast-to-coast. The 82-year-old will now be one of seven finallists eligible to win the grand prize of $250,000. You can meet McNeill and taste some of her "Lucious Lemon Pudding Cakes" this Saturday from 11-4 at the Bridgewater Superstore.

LQRDA moving to new location in Bridgewater

The former Dooly's on King Street will be the future home of the Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency. The LQRDA is currently on North Street in Bridgewater, but is expected to move to their new location January 1st, 2012. The executive director of the LQRDA, Andrew Button, says he believes its a unique move for the group because they will be housing nine different economic associations. Among the groups also moving to the King Street location are the Bridgewater Development Association, the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce and South Shore Opportunities.

Shelburne County Business Excellence Awards

Business Excellence

Fifteen local Businesses were celebrated for outstanding achievements at the Shelburne County Business Excellence Awards last night. The awards in five categories were handed out during a gala dinner ceremony at the Osprey Arts Centre Thursday evening.(October 20th). The Awards are hosted by the Community Business Development Corporation and The Shelburne and Area Chamber of Commerce.
The winners are:
GREEN AWARD
(sponsored by Shelburne County Business Development Center)
Chris Bird of Rehouse Timberframes

EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
(sponsored by Nova Scotia Business Incorporated)
Kenny & Ross Limited

ENTREPRENEUR of the YEAR
(sponsored by NS Economic & Rural Development & Tourism)
Nick Stewart of Nick Stewart Concrete Work

EMPLOYEE of the YEAR
(sponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada)
Cora Beck of Charlotte Lane Cafe

BUSINESS of the YEAR
(sponsored by the Shelburne & Area Chamber of Commerce)
Don Atkinson Tucking Limited (Bill & Sherri Harris)

FREE Flu Clinic

Today's free flu vaccine clinic (Friday,Oct. 21st) will be held in Chester from 9 a.m. to noon at the Chester Community Clinic, 17 Shoreham Village.
** This is an open clinic offered by local Medical Practice**

Change of Plans for LCLC

A change in plans , literally, for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. A start on construction is behind schedule, now the scope of the project is being scaled back by more than 15 percent. Changes to the 33 million dollar project include less glass and lower ceilings, elimination of a pool slide, a smaller library space, and removal of the entrance canopies and arched ribs on the roof of the arena. Initial construction tenders came in over budget and Chair Paul Belliveau said they would be negotiating with the contractors on possible reductions. New tenders are expected to be ready in the new year. The date for completion of the project has now been moved forward to March 2013.

Motorists Urged to Drive with Caution

Motorists are advised to use caution due to water on the roadways today. A significant amount of rain has already fallen and this could lead to localized flooding and water pooling on roadways. Periods of heavy rain increase the likelihood of hydroplaning, which occurs when a layer of water builds between the tires of the vehicle and the surface of the road. The vehicle loses traction, and the driver loses the ability to steer or stop. If it happens with all four tires at the same time, the vehicle may skid out of control until it collides with something else, goes off the road, or slows down enough for the tires to regain contact with the pavement. The best way to avoid hydroplaning is to slow down and be sure not to use cruise control. Police are advising motorists to drive according to road conditions.

Bailey leads Stangs to 5-2 win in Cole Harbour

The South Shore Mustangs scored a 5-2 win over the Cole Harbour Wolfpack Wednesday night. Captain Brennan Bailey led the way with a goal and two assists while Cole Skinner made 20 saves for the win. It's the fourth victory in the row for the Mustangs, who are now in a tie for second place in the Major Midget standings. Next up for the Mustangs will be the Valley Wildcats at 10:30 Sunday Morning at the Chester Arena.

Martin overwhelmed by Fundraiser turnout

Mayor Don Downe, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, left, enjoying a photo opportunity with Jenna Martin, 400 metre Canadian Champion, right.

Roughly 200 people came out in support Wednesday night for one of the South Shore's top athletes. A fundraiser was held for Jenna Martin at the Best Western Plus Bridgewater. Martin says she's so happy people are helping her achieve her goals.

"This night means everything to me. I can't believe all these people are here for me. Being able to be in the presence of everyone supporting me means a lot and having their support is going to give me the extra drive to push even harder towards my goal."

Martin is pushing to raise just over $139,000 to help her prepare for the 2012 London Olympics.

Keddy congratulates Irving Shipbuilding

South Shore-St.Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy

The MP for South Shore-St. Margaret's is congratulating Halifax's Irving Shipbuilding on winning the largest piece of the federal government's $33-billion shipbuilding program. The decision gives Irving $25-billion in combat ship construction as the prime contractor for the navy's new warships. Gerald Keddy says its great news for both the South Shore and the rest of the province.

"Irving Shipyard, obviously, in Shelburne will be an immediate winner. But every manufacturer, every shop, the two major yards in the province can't build all these vessels and they can't do all the superstructure. There wil be a lot of work let out here, I would expect, to shipyards and the shops not just in the South Shore but throughout Atlantic Canada."

Keddy expects thousands of jobs to be created from the project. Irving Shipbuilding will enter contract negotiations with the federal government with hopes of starting shipbuilding production as early as late 2012.

White Point undergoing renovations in early 2012

A South Shore resort is closing down for two months for property-wide renovations. White Point in Queens County has scheduled the renovations to take place during January and February 2012. General Manager Danny Morton says there will be a few changes to their reception area, dining room, guest rooms and some of the cottages. He adds, they will also be making less visible changes including rewiring, kitchen upgrades and replacing their heating and pool operating system. Morton says they're using the $1-million loan, announced in June from the province's Industrial Expansion Fund, to pay for the renovations.

Bridgewater Greco negotiating new location

The Bridgewater Greco store is looking for a new home. The popular pizza joint has left its tenacy in the Eastside Plaza after it was unable to strike a deal with the landlord. The vice-president of franchising and development, Guy Gallant, says they're are currently negotiating with another landlord to keep the business in Bridgewater. Gallant says they hope to be up and running three months after striking a new agreement.

Electoral Reform

The Case for Electoral Reform will be the topic of discussion at the Mahone Bay Centre Friday evening(Oct. 21st). The South Shore Chapter of the Council of Canadians presents Café Canada, Renewing Democracy at 7:30 p.m Friday night. Halifax lawyer Derek Simon and Dalhousie Associate Professor Lori Turnbull will lead an informative and action focused session. Admission is FREE.

Shelburne County Business Excellence Awards

Business Excellence

On Tuesday, Lunenburg/Queens County businesses were honoured and it's Shelburne's turn on Thursday (Oct. 20th). Fifteen businesses in Eastern Shelburne County have been selected as finalists for the 2011 Business Excellence Awards which will be handed out tonight at a gala dinner ceremony at the Osprey Arts Centre.
The Awards are hosted by the Community Business Development Corporation and The Shelburne and Area Chamber of Commerce. The top three finalists in their respective categories are:

Export Achievement Award:
Cotter’s Ocean Products Inc.
Kenny & Ross Ltd.
Ven Rez Limited

Green Award:
Harmony Bazaar Festival of Women & Song Society, Grace Poole
NSCC, Donna Bower & William Nickerson
ReHouse Timberframes, Chris Bird

Employee of the Year:
Cora Beck, Charlotte Lane Cafe
Dee Harding, H & B Car Sales Ltd. and Goulden’s shell
Joey Reynolds, Dexter’s Service Centre Ltd.

Entrepreneur of the Year:
Clark Blanchard, CBMC Engineering Limited
Nick Stewart, Nick Stewart Concrete Work
Sam Stewart, All 4 One Graphics

Business of the Year:
Don Atkinson Trucking Ltd., Bill & Sherri Harris
Harlow Construction Ltd., Robbie & Jeffery Harlow
TLC Pharmacy, Tami Crosby

Local companies receive Lunenburg-Queens Business Excellence awards



Rosmarie Lohnes, President, Helping Nature Heal Inc.



Bernice Theriault, General Manager, Comfort Inn

Lynne MacKay and Pierre Guevremont, IronWorks Distillery

There were many smiles and few frowns after six local companies received plaques at the Lunenburg-Queens Business Excellence awards. The Entrepreneurial award was won by Van Dyk's Health Juice Ltd. The Bridgewater Comfort Inn received the Hospitality award. Brady Home Building Centre picked up the Large Business award. TecBox accepted the Export Achievement award. IronWorks Distillery picked up the New Business award and Helping Nature Heal Inc. won the Small Business award.

Mustangs battle Wolfpack

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs try for a fourth win in a row Wednesday night when they visit the Cole Harbour Wolfpack. The Mustangs sit third after a pair of 6-2 victories at home over the weekend. Head Coach Tim Boyce says a win won't be easy against one of the top goalies in the league.

"Chase Marchand has been lights out to start the season. He's got a goals against just above 1.00 and every game he seems to be stopping 30-40 shots and holding the team in 2-1 or 3-1 games, so I expect a tough game out of those guys."

This is the first game between the two teams this season. The Mustangs and Wolfpack hit the ice at 7:30 Wednesday night in Cole Harbour.

Lumberjacks acquire Zakas from Summerside

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have bolstered their blueline. The Jacks acquired Zac Zakas from the Summerside Western Capitals for future considerations. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says the 19-year-old Zakas brings stability to a young defence.

"He's a steady, stay-at-home, puck moving defenseman, nothing flashy, he's not going to jump up and throw a lot of offense at you but he's going to settle things down on the blueline for us."

Zakas had two assists in nine games with Summerside this season. He'll get a chance to face his former team Friday night when the Jacks host the Capitals in Bridgewater.

Boundary Changes for MODL

Some changes are in store for voters in the Municipality of Lunenburg before heading to the polls next October. Council is looking at various options for District boundarys 7, 8 and 9 and will be seeking public feedback. A web survey will also be conducted before Council gives it's approval to any changes. The Municipal Government Act requires Council have regard for relative voter parity, community of interest, number of electors, geographic size and population density.  The number of councillors will remain the same, at 12 plus a mayor.

Solar Thermal Energy Information Session

Shelburne residents will get a chance to hear about the benefits of solar energy installations at an information session at the Shelburne Community Centre on 63 King Street on October 25 at 6:30pm. The session will present information for both commercial and residential settings. In 2010 the Town of Shelburne partnered with Nova Scotia Power and Scotia Renewables to install a solar hot water system at Heritage Hall, on John Street. This was a demonstration project to showcase the region's potential for the utilization of solar energy technologies. The Heritage Hall will be one of the participants at the session. Residents in the area, such as Emily and Guy Tipton have two systems on their house. A system mounted on the roof of their house provides domestic hot water and in-floor heating. A solar air system on the side of their house provides forced-air heat. 
          There will be opportunity to ask questions directly to the building owners about installation, costs, financial incentives available and savings. Representatives from Nova Scotia Power, Efficiency Nova Scotia and Doctor Solar will also be providing information on programs and incentives to people interested in both commercial and residential installations. For more information on the Solar Energy Information Session in Shelburne contact the Town Office at 902-875-2991.

Budget for Bluenose II rebuild jumps by $1-million

The cost of rebuilding the Bluenose II has jumped by $1-million. Sources say the province has agreed to increase the project's budget to $15.9-million on advice from an international regulatory agency. Project manager Craig Chisholm says the shipbuilding agency called for changes to make sure the schooner is safe, including a requirement for steel reinforcements in the deck. The $14.8-million project, funded by the provincial and federal governments, began last fall. It was expected to be completed this spring, but the province now says the replica will set sail next summer. The last plank was attached to the ship's hull last month.

Mustangs President upset by lack of communication from Bridgewater Council

The president of the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs is firing back at the Town of Bridgewater. Lionel Haughn says he's received no word from Town Council about what the Mustangs should be doing to be considered for free ice time. He says he should be told the next step in the process.

"I think somebody should have the courtesy from the town or from the town council, to send me some sort of letter or communicate some way. I mean this is crazy, I'm not going to act on what I've heard, like I said before, in the parking lot."

The team is looking to have the cost of its Friday morning practice time waived. Town Council is looking for the club to present a business plan, comparing them with other teams in the Major Midget hockey league.

South Shore Health trimming 3% from 2012-13 budget

South Shore Health has been asked to cut spending in 2012-13. The provincial government is looking to trim three per cent of health care costs for the nine district health authorities and the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. The director of communications with South Shore Health, Theresa Hawkesworth, says they will be working with other health authorities and the IWK on ways to trim their budget. She says a three per cent budget cut represents over $2.1-million. Hawkesworth says none of the money is expected to be taken from patient care.

Playground Equipment to be Removed

It's a short term solution until the Municipality of Lunenburg decides what to do with the former Riverport Elementary School. Deputy-Mayor Lee Nauss says Council has authorized staff to remove the playground equipment that is considered to be dangerous and unsafe. Nauss says with the closing of the school it reverted back to the ownership of the Municipality and even though the community wants the playground equipment to remain, there's a liability issue at stake. Council will maintain the other playground equipment and grounds of the school until a final decision is made on the reassessment or disposal of the property. The school board formally returned the school to the Municipality in July.

Foster Family Appreciation Week Celebrated

Nearly 800 foster families are being recognized this week for opening their hearts to children in need of a loving stable home in Nova Scotia. The province is celebrating Foster Family Appreciation Week held annually on the third week of October.
      Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse thanks all foster families for providing children with the safe and nurturing home they deserve. At celebrations across the province this week certificates of recognition will be presented to foster families for the difference they have made to a child in need.

Best in Business to be honoured

The best in South Shore business will be honoured Tuesday night in Bridgewater. The Lunenburg-Queens Business Excellence awards get underway at 6pm at the Bridgewater Best Western Hotel and Convention Centre. The executive director of the Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency, Andrew Button, says the night highlights the quality of business on the South Shore. Here are the finalists in each of the six award categories.

Entrepreneurial Award :

Helping Nature Heal Inc
School House Gluten-Free Gourmet Ltd.
Van Dyk's Health Juice Products Ltd

Hospitality Award :

Atlantica Hotel and Marina Oak Island
Comfort Inn Bridgewater
Best Coast Coffee Gallery

Large Business Award : 

Mahone Auto
Kelly Oickle Enterprises Ltd. (Swiss Chalet)
Brady Home Building Centre

Export Achievement Award :

DPM Solutions
PRO Oceanus Systems Inc
TecBox
RU Safe Inc.

New Business Award :

Best Western Plus Bridgewater
Lahave River Chiropractic and Health Centre
Ironworks Distillery

Small Business Award :

Helping Nature Heal Inc.
New Germany Building Supplies (2004) Ltd.
Chester Pharmasave

School Bus Safety

Bridgewater Police want drivers to be extra cautious when approaching school buses. School Bus Safety Awareness Week begins Monday and Police are asking motorists to stop for a school bus when it displays its flashing red lights. Drivers who don't could faces fines beginning at $397.71 and up to $1260.21 for a third offence. Bridgewater Police are also asking students to remain in the drivers sight and cross in front of the bus. Roughly 33 school buses transport more than 1,200 students in Bridgewater every day. "Be Aware: Know the Danger Zone" is this year's theme when it comes to school bus safety in the town.

Missing 10-year-old found

South Shore RCMP say they have found a 10-year-old boy who wandered away from a children's centre. Police say the boy was found about 10 kilometres from the Dayspring Children's Centre in Lunenburg County at about 2pm Sunday. They said he left the facility without permission at about 10:25pm Saturday. Police say he was in good health.

RCMP looking for missing 10-year-old

Lunenburg RCMP is asking for the public's assistance in locating a 10-year-old boy who left the Dayspring Children's Centre Saturday morning without permission. The boy is described as a young male of First Nations descent, approximately 4'7" tall, 78 pounds, with short brown hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue button up shirt and grey pyjama pants, with no shoes. RCMP believe he may be heading to Cape Breton. If you have any information, please contact the RCMP at 634-8674.

Grand Opening of Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute Expansion

The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute is holding a grand opening this weekend to show off the new expansion.  Senator Kelvin Ogilvie will be on hand for the ceremonies slated for Saturday, October 15th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The grand opening will give the public a chance to see the improvements to the field station and observe green technology being used. The improvements to the field station were designed for it to be a carbon neutral building within the Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve in rural Queens County. The 200 thousand dollar project received funding from ACOA, the ECO-Nova Scotia Environmental Technology program and through private donations.

Portraits of Honour in Bridgewater

The Portraits of Honour  mural depicts the 157  fallen Canadian service men and women in Afghanistan. It arrived in Bridgewater over the noon hour and will be open for public viewing until 9 p.m. tonight (Fri. Oct. 14th) in the parking lot of the Bridgewater Legion Branch # 24, Churchill Street.

Gasoline Price Hike

Gasoline prices have taken another jump.

The price of a litre of self serve regular has shot up by six cents overnite.
Its selling at South Shore pumps today for $1.31.1 per litre.
Thats a ten cent increase in a week.

Freedom Riders raising money for stroke victim

Mar Croft, President of Freedom Riders

Members of a South Shore bike club are gearing up for a halloween-based fundraiser. The Freedom Riders Motorcycle Club will be on the road Saturday in support of Chester's Christopher Simms, who suffered a stroke. The president of Freedom Riders, Mar Croft, says all donations raised will go towards Simms. The event starts at 1pm Saturday at the Tim Hortons on the corner of Dominion and High Street in Bridgewater.The ride will be escorted through town by the Bridgewater Police and will make stops to collect donations. Riders are encouraged to dress up in costume or decorate their bikes.

Council mulls free ice decision; ask Mustangs for presentation

Bridgewater Mayor Carroll Publicover

Bridgewater town council is looking to hear from the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs. The Mustangs are looking to acquire some free ice time, but Mayor Carroll Publicover says council wants a formal proposal from the local 'AAA' hockey club.

"The Mustangs need to come and make a case for us if they believe that other teams that play 'AAA' hockey are given certain privileges and concessions by their communities to help them, we'd like to hear that, and maybe we'll step up and do the same thing."

The Mustangs are looking to waive the cost of their Friday morning practice time. Town council previously waived practice time for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks, on the condition the full team relocated to Lunenburg County. The request would cost taxpayers roughly $2,500 for the season.

Bridgewater Councillor frustrated with Jo-Lo Development

Councillor David Mitchell

It looks like there may be another delay for the The Village at Glen Allan project. Bridgewater town councillor David Mitchell says Jo-Lo Development hasn't installed a fence, which was part of the non-substantive amendment to the development agreement in June. Mitchell says the developer has until October 15.

"It's beyong frustrating because as a council, we pride ourselves on our whole town; the staff, the planning department, engineering, on being so proactive with developers and yet I feel that we've been taken advantage with a developer that keeps pushing and pushing and pushing."

Mitchell says he expects council will debate extending or discharging the development agreement if the fence isn't installed after Saturday.

Dates Set for Murder Trial

Eleven days have been set aside beginning next May 7th for the Supreme Court trial of a Liverpool man accused of killing his fiancee . Thirty-two year old James Leroy Leopold pleaded not guilty when he was formally arraigned today (Thursday, October 13) on a charge of second degree murder in the death of 47 year old Laura Lee Robertson. She was reported missing on April 14th. Her remains were found off Highway 210 outside Greenfield, Queens County almost two weeks later. Leopold who has been in custody since his arrest in April was committed to stand trial following a preliminary hearing earlier this month.

Tallship Columbia Announcement

A Lunenburg County company will be making history by making a full set of sails for the replica of the schooner Columbia. Michele Stevens Sailloft of Second Peninsula is partnering with the Eastern Shipbuilding Group and Covey Island Boatworks in the new construction of the replica. Stevens is a fourth generation sailmaker whose work includes the construction of the largest working mail sail in the world for the Bluenose ll and several sails for the Concordia. Covey Island Boatworks will oversee the project and provide the spars and rigging for the new vessel.
            The Columbia, a 140 foot Gloucester fishing schooner was originally launched in April 1923 and participated in the International Schooner Races.

Vital Initiatives Coordinator Appointed

The Lunenburg County Community Fund has appointed a Vital Initiatives Coordinator. Joel Stoddart who grew up in Clarks Harbour, will work with the LCCF Board to further the development of projects that were identified by volunteers and community meetings over the last year. Stoddart who has extensive experience working in rural communities has worked on economic development projects and has good connections in the sector within Lunenburg County.  Vital Initiatives was born from the report Vital Signs of Lunenburg County, and reflects the action plans and projects that have emerged since the release of the report in October 2010. Four key areas were identified in the report as impacting on the long term sustainability of Lunenburg County.  The economy, literacy, health and wellness and youth are target areas. For more information on the report you can visit
http://lunenburgcountycommunityfund.ca/

Composites Atlantic Senior V-P excited about $10-million provincial investment



Premier Darrell Dexter (left) and Derek Kinsman, senior vice-president and chief operating officer at Composites Atlantic, chat after an announcement in Lunenburg.



The senior vice-president and chief operating officer of Composites Atlantic says it's an announcement his company plans to take advantage of. The Lunenburg business welcomed a $10-million announcement for aerospace and defence companies and suppliers from the provincial government. Derek Kinsman says it's a positive situation for Composites Atlantic to be in.

"Packages, such as this, which give you an ability to bring financing into play, and when you're successful you pay it back, I mean, that's a perfect win-win situation from our perspective."

Kinsman says Composites have a number of projects that could qualify to access some of the $10-million available. He says the company is competing against others worldwide, and are challenged by emerging economy countries such as Mexico, China and India.

Utilization Meetings start at CAMS

The South Shore Regional School Board will hold its first utilization meeting Thursday night at Chester Area Middle School. The meeting will look at utilization of schools including Chester District Elementary, New Ross Consolidated and Forest Heights. The chair of the South Shore Regional School Board, Elliott Payzant, says its a chance to explore each schools needs or if its meeting all regulations. Members of the school community, including Principals, Student Advisory Councils and Student Leaders have been invited to attend. The meeting is not open to the general public.

White Point Named Finalist for Canadian Tourism Awards

A South Shore resort is one of the finalists for the 2011 Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by The Toronto Star.  Forty-three finalists including individuals and organizations from all ten provinces as well as Canada's North have been named in 14 award categories. White Point Beach Resort in Queens County is among three finalists for the CTHRC Award for Excellence in Human Resources Development. The Canadian Tourism Awards will be presented at a gala dinner in Ottawa on November 24, 2011 at the Chateau Laurier.
           The Canadian Tourism Awards were established in 2003 to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada's tourism industry, and to honour those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer superior visitor experiences to travelers in Canada.