Flu Clinic Priority

At the beginning of the week, they were worried no one was going to come out for the H-1-N-1 vaccination. That has not been the case with people lining up for hours at clinics across the province and across the country. This afternoon, South Shore Health is holding it's first in a series of clinics in Lunenburg and Queens counties. Public Health officer Dr Richard Gould is suggesting people wait who are NOT in the usual risk groups. More than a dozen health care professionals will be at the Michelin Social club for the clinic this afternoon. Additional clinics are scheduled throughout November. Details can be found at ssdha.nshealth.ca.

The seasonal influenza vaccination will now be available to the usual risk groups: the elderly, the young, and anyone with chronic medical conditions and those in close contact. Everyone over 6 months of age should get the H1N1 vaccination, especially in risk groups like pregnant women and people with heart disease, asthma or diabetes.

School Board Candidates

Two candidates have put forth their names for a vacant seat on the South Shore Regional School Board. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says a by-election has been set for Saturday,November 21st to to fill the position left vacant when Karen Kinley resigned from the Board earlier this year. Craig Buffett of Spectacle Lake and John Jenkins of Lunenburg - have filed their nominations to represent District 7 on the Board. District 7 comprises the Town of Lunenburg and Polling Districts 1 and 2 in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Voting will take place at advance polls from noon until 8 p.m. on November 14 and 17 and on election day, November 21, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The advance polls are located in the Royal Canadian Legion #23 in Lunenburg. On election day, polls are located in Palmer's Slipcovers & Draperies in Dean's Corner, the Riverport Community Centre, Royal Canadian Legion #23 in Lunenburg, the Little Tancook Activity Centre on Little Tancook Island and the Big Tancook Recreational Centre on Big Tancook Island. There will also be mobile polls on election day in Lunenburg at the Veteran's Unit of Fisherman's Memorial Hospital from 10 a.m. to noon and at Harbour View Haven from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Only residents of the Veteran's Unit and of Harbour View Haven are eligible to vote in the mobile polls. In order to qualify to be on the list of electors and vote, a person must be 18 years or older on election day, be a Canadian citizen and have lived in District 7 since August 21, 2009. People can find out whether they are on the list of electors by contacting Returning Officer Ted Bulley by telephone at 902-354-2563, email at bulleyt@eastlink.ca or in person at 92 Union Street, Liverpool.

Woman Killed by Coyotes

A horrifying story has a tragic ending for a young Toronto-area woman attacked by wild animals. RCMP confirm a 19 year-old woman who was attacked Tuesday by two coyotes while hiking on the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highland National Park has died. The women sustained serious injuries the attack. At 3:15, Cheticamp RCMP received a 911 call that a hiker was being attacked by two coyotes. On arrival at the scene, RCMP found the young woman in serious condition. She wa airlifted to hospital in Halifax for medical attention where she later died of her injuries. For officer and public safety, an RCMP member shot and killed one of the coyotes that continued be aggressive. One coyote escaped into the woods.

Flu Shot Patience

South Shore Health officials say you should expect line ups and maybe even the possibility you'll being turned away tomorrow. Theresa Hawkesworth says they want to manage people's expectations for the first H-1-N-1 clinic in Bridgewater. She says demand may exceed capacity for the Community vaccination at the Michelin Social Club tomorrow afternoon. Hawkesworth says there are a lot of doctors and nurses scheduled to work in the clinics but they're not sure about how many people they will be able to immunize in the first seven hour event. There are clinics running throughout Lunenburg and Queens counties over the next month.

Quick Facts:
- H1N1 activity has been highest in the Guysborough-Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Capital Health.
- Women in the second half of their pregnancy, and women at any stage of pregnancy with chronic health conditions, are most at risk of complications from H1N1 and seasonal flu.
- Because of increased H1N1 activity in Nova Scotia, Dr. Strang recommends pregnant women, at 20 weeks gestation or less, who have pre-existing health conditions, consider receiving adjuvanted vaccine.
- It is also recommended that all pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy (more than 20 weeks gestation) receive adjuvanted vaccine.
- Healthy pregnant women in the first half of their pregnancy are at less risk of complications, and can wait to receive the unadjuvanted vaccine.
- Unadjuvanted vaccine will start to be available in Nova Scotia next week.
- H1N1 vaccine will be available, free of charge, to all Nova Scotians who want it.
- H1N1 clinic dates and times from across the province are available at www.gov.ns.ca/H1N1 or through HealthLink 811.
- This is the largest immunization campaign in the province's history.

Dr. Strang urged Nova Scotians to be patient and to get the vaccine when it becomes available at a clinic in their community.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Dr. Strang said Nova Scotians should continue to take other precautions to avoid illness. Most importantly, stay home if sick with flu-like symptoms, which are fever and/or cough with unusual tiredness, head/muscle/joint aches or sore throat. Wash hands often with soap and water and cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.

Bridgewater Police Honour

A south shore man is among a group of 75 Police officers from across Nova Scotia being recognized for contributions to law enforcement. They have been presented with the Nova Scotia Provincial Long Service Award. Detective/Sergeant Scott Feener of the Bridgewater Police Service has been recognised for his 15 years of service with the force. Justice Minister and Attorney General Ross Landry presented the awards in Halifax today (October 27th). The awards recognize police officers who have served in the province for 15 and 25 consecutive years. Landry says it is important to recognize these men and women because they are creating a province that is safer for all Nova Scotians.

Day Care Dollars

Nova Scotia is investing six-million dollars in 12 child-care centres to expand facilities and create 300 new child-care spaces. Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse was in Spryfield today (October 27th) at the Edward Jost Children's Centre to present $1.5-million to help the centre build a second building and double its capacity. Peterson-Rafuse says the funding will provide more Nova Scotia families with access to affordable, quality child care. The funding is provided through Nova Scotia's 10-year Early Learning and Child Care Plan. On the list for 2009/2010 is Association De la Garderie de la Rive Sud in Blockhouse with funding of $585,401. Other south shore facilities to receive money in recent years include the Chester & Area Family Resource Centre with $706,590 and the Lunenburg Daycare Centre with support of $88,566.

Legion Help

Bridgewater Town Council has agreed to supply a letter of support to the local Legion in it's bid to secure capital assistance funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Branch #24 is seeking a grant of $25,000 for the repair of a leaking foundation wall and to make some repairs to the Legion kitchen. Both projects are deemed as high priority for health and safety as well as aesthetics. The application for funding must be post marked by November 5th.

World Vision Help

It is the epitome of the gift that keeps on giving. And a dairy cow for $600 is a huge investment in a developing country. World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Last year, there were 61 Bridgewater area residents who used the group's Gift catalogue to help families overseas. World Vision says south shore residents spent more than $8,610 to help buy things like livestock, school uniforms and medical supplies for children and families.

Daycare Tax Break

A request for a full property tax exemption for a York Street daycare was turned down earlier this year, now the Board of Directors is asking Bridgewater Town Council to take another look at the matter. Treasurer Michael Dunham says the exemption would put all daycares on a level playing field. Samantha Crouse, Chair of the Centre's Board of Directors says they want to be competitive with the other child care centres in the area. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the Small World Learning Centre currently has a partial tax exemption and granting full exemption would level the playing field. Council did consider a special by-law for registered charitable organizations but it only got as far as first reading. Council will discuss the issue at the next briefing session and re-table the by-law for second reading at it's November 23 meeting.

Theater Concerns

It may be easier said than done.. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he doesn't want to see an X-rated movie theatre set up shop in Bridgewater, but it's more than just saying no. The Town's planner says at this point the Town has limited control under the current by-laws and municipal planning strategy but he's researching the matter. The owner of Sister Sarah's has said he might consider setting up theatres in various locations which would screen skin flicks in order to make up for lost revenue because of provincial fees he has to pay the province to rate the porn films he sells in his shops. Franklyn Rhyno who is originally from Bridgewater mentioned the Town as one of the possible sites for a movie theatre.

Dr. Hamm Appointment

A long-time physician and one-time premier has been re-appointed chairman of the Board of Directors of Assisted Human Reproduction Canada. The federal health minister says Dr John Hamm's medical career and his strength in working on complex issues with diverse stakeholders have served the Agency well. Dr Hamm has served on the Board as Chairperson since AHRC began operations in 2007. Assisted Human Reproduction Canada was established in 2006 to administer and enforce the Assisted Human Reproduction Act. Its mandate is to protect and promote the health and safety, dignity and rights of Canadians who use or are born of assisted human reproduction technologies, and to foster ethical principles in relation to assisted human reproduction and other related matters under the Act.

Old Falls Road Traffic

Region of Queens Municipal Council has decided to take not further action in relation to traffic issues on Old Falls Road. Mayor John Leefe says there are presently 10 homes on the road and five children living on the street. A request for children playing signage was turned down. Leefe says in the meantime the speed zone signs will remain as they are at 30 km/h. although they have no legal effect.

Scrappy Crimes

Bridgewater Police are investigating a break and enter into a Bridgewater business. Sometime during the overnight hours of Thursday October 22nd to Friday morning, October 23rd, a person or persons broke into Oickle’s Bottle Exchange on High Street. A sum of money and several other items were stolen. Police are asking anyone who witnessed these events to contact Bridgewater Police Service or Crime Stoppers.

You can pretty much guess more than one person was involved in this heist. Barrington RCMP are investigating the theft of scrap metal from a business in Barrington Passage that happened overnight last Thursday. Culprits cut open a gate to a fenced compound and stole two thousand pounds of scrap aluminum and 700 pounds of scrap stainless steel. Anyone with information concerning the theft is asked to contact the Barrington RCMP. (902-637-2325).

Shelburne Business Awards

The best in business in Shelburne county have been recognised at the Osprey Arts Center. Last night the Shelburne and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Shelburne County Business Development Center held their annual awards. The Community Service Award went to "Shelburne Association Supporting Inclusion". The Tourism Award went to Ocean Mist Cottages. The Green Award was won by Beandock Coffee and Collectables. Windward Flutes won the Export Achievement Award. Entrepreneur of the year was Pat Melanson of the Pipers Guild. And the Business of the year is the Whirligig Book Store. Congratulations to all of the participants and the winners from CKBW.

Cornwall Road Fire Call

An early start to the day for volunteer firefighters. Blockhouse was called out to a shed on fire at 448 Cornwall Road around quarter after five. They were rolling up on the scene within fifteen minutes. Mahone Bay crews weren't far behind as they were called in to assist. And a team from Lunenburg was called in to help with a cascade system. Nova Scotia Power showed up to cut off the power to the property and RCMP were also called in to the scene. So far, no word on what may have caused the fire. The last of the trucks were backing in to the Blockhouse hall around ten to eight.

Prayer Breakfast

A special guest for a special breakfast. Coming up next Wednesday, municipal leaders and others will join the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia for the South Shore Leadership Prayer Breakfast. The event will be held early that morning at White Point Beach Resort. When the first prayer breakfast was held more than 2,000 years ago, Jesus invited his disciples to join him for breakfast on the Sea of Tiberias. Organizers say their breakfast will be an opportunity to come together as a wider Christian community to pray for the leaders of their organizations, institutions, businesses, region, province and nation. The organizing committe includes Doug Fawthrop, John Leefe, Susan MacLeod, Don MacKenzie and Revered Donald J. Lawton. John Wiles will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Lunenburg Assault

Not a whole lot is known about an alleged incident in Lunenburg this week that landed a teenager in hospital and an adult male in police custody. RCMP say it started with a call just after eight o'clock Tuesday night. They responded to a complaint of a young man being sprayed with some kind of irritant before being hit in the head with the canister it was in. It happened at the Lunenburg Community Center Parking Lot. Police say they youth ended up at Fishermen's Memorial where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. An adult male was arrested later Tuesday evening. He was released on conditions and a court date was scheduled for December 16th in Bridgewater. Charges pending include assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.

H-1-N-1Vaccine

The province's chief medical officer of health, Doctor Robert Strang, today (October 21st) announced details of Nova Scotia's immunization plan. H1N1 vaccine will be available for free to all Nova Scotians who want it. People in high risk groups for seasonal flu can get both seasonal flu and H1N1 shots at the same time. H1N1 vaccine will be available through community clinics, some doctor offices and workplace clinics. Community clinics will begin across Nova Scotia within the next two weeks. Doctor Strang says he has every confidence in the safety of the H1N1 vaccine and he strongly urges all Nova Scotians to be vaccinated. If Nova Scotians have questions about the vaccination, they can go to www.gov.ns.ca/h1n1 , call their local public health unit or call HealthLink 811. Along with immunization, people are also encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent illness:
-- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. When soap and water are not handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative.
-- Cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
-- If using tissues, dispose of them appropriately and wash hands.
-- Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth.
-- Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, mouth guards, cosmetics or eating utensils.
-- If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.

Clipper Grounded

It's the end of a south shore community newspaper - at least in a format that you can light the woodstove with. This week's edition of the Chester Clipper says their last publication will be coming up on November 10th. An article on the front page says owner Colin MacDonald is assessing it's future because ad revenues have dropped to a level that the paper is no longer viable. The website associated with the Chester Clipper will continue to operate though. The paper was started almost ten years ago and they show a current circulation of just over 10,000 copies.

Pot Seizure

A Gold River man is facing charges after a seizure of more than 70 pounds of processed marijuana . Officers of the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit searched two homes in Gold River on Monday, one on Bridgeview Drive the other on the Beech Hill Road . Thirty-nine year old Leroy James Hatt is facing charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for illegal production of marijuana and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Hatt is slated to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on December 16th for election and plea. Police are continuing their investigation.