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.