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.