Rockingham Community

HRM Communications Plan

2012-02-06T16:39:00.002-04:00

On Thursday, February 9, 2012 Regional Council's Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Standing Committee will be discussing the Community Engagement and Communications Plan for RP+5 and an Amended Sequence of RP+5 and Centre Plan Deliverables. For meeting information or to read the report:

http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/February92012AgendaforCommunityPlanningandEconomicDevelopmentStandingCommittee-HRM.html

Community Engagement and Communications

Clear communication and comprehensive engagement are fundamental to the success of RP+5 and Centre Plan Phase 1. Strategies for communication and public engagement are proposed for both projects and are described in this report.

Amended Sequence of RP+5 and Centre Plan Deliverables Mounting development pressure, now compounded by the Ships contract, has triggered a re-evaluation of the RP+5 and Centre Plan workplan schedule approved by Council on October 4, 2011. To address the need for immediate planning policy to capture growth opportunities, this report proposes a shift in focus for RP+5 to immediately commence work on Phase 1 of the Centre Plan to advance several of HRM’s key strategic goals to encourage growth in the Regional Centre.

Valentine Dance For A Good Cause

2012-02-04T15:17:00.000-04:00

Valentine Dance:

Big Rock n; Roll Valentine's Dance at the multi-purpose Centre at the Halifax Forum-features local Rockingham resident band ''THE CORVETTE'S''.

Tickets are $12.50 and this is a great fundraiser to help -The Cobequid Cultural Society.
Call 455-0982 for tickets.

Potential HRM Transit Strike Info from Local Councillor

2012-02-01T15:34:00.000-04:00

Re: possible transit strike and organizing alternative transportation arrangements.

This note is from our local HRM councillor Debbie Hum:

Dear Resident,

Metro Transit is in a legal position to strike as of 12:01 AM Thurs Feb 2nd. Thank you for your interest and concerns should a Metro Transit strike occur. As of 9:30 AM today the Transit union negotiating team and HRM negotiating team are back negotiating trying to reach a settlement so a transit strike can be avoided.
That is positive news. However residents are still encouraged to seek alternate plans incl transportation in case a strike is called.

I am doing what I can to communicate news updates to residents regarding the status of Transit negotiations and strike action, help organize a local carpool initiative to help as many as possible of those residents in need in our community, and communicate other carpooling and alternate transportation initiatives undertaken by others.

As I am today, should a transit strike occur, I am making myself available day and night to help any residents in need - and provide alternate transportation (I will be a driver), seek other volunteers willing to provide alternative transportation, and help coordinate list of people who need drives and seek to match up with others who may be available, and other carpooling services.

I'm also posting other carpool internet contacts as I receive them. Many employers are organizing their own alternative scheduling, transportation /carpooling initiatives to help address their needs and those of their employees.

So are schools/universities neighborhood groups, friends, community organizations. But many people are out there who need a helping hand, our support and our assistance wherever possible. Hopefully you, your friends and neighbors can help anyone in need. And if you need a drive - whether to/from work, school, medical appointment, errantds, in need of childcare, etc. Please let me or someone else know.

Yes, there is someone out there - in our neighborhoods, on our street or condo/apartment building, a friend/family member in need.

Remember Hurricane Juan - and how neighbors helped one another, helped strangers in need? Let's pull together and do what is needed to help others less fortunate and in need.

It can be something as offering to babysit because the mom or dad have to find a nother way to get to/from work, or change their hours of work to accommodate family schedule, or offer a drive to your neighbor or someone else needing a drive, to get their children to school or childcare arrangements, making a meal for your friend/neighbor...there's so much we can do to help. And if you are somone that needs assistance in any way, don't hesitate to ask.

I'm here to help in whatever way possible as many others are in our community.

Lots of carpool sites being coordinated. Here's some:

1) Me - I'm here day or night humd@halifax.ca 476 7212 cell Also on facebook.

In the community I'll help find assistance - a drive, babysitter, connect you to a friend/neighbor, direct you to someone who can help. Just let me know.

2) To our respective Resident/community/school groups - please do whatever you can and help coordinate support efforts.

3) Various employer and carpool sites

Many now are posting on line: http://www.erideshare.com/
www.msvu.ca/carpool - MSVU has created a temporary online carpooling bulletin board for members of the MSVU community offering or seeking alternate transportation.

4). Haligonia.ca posted carpool opportunities Facebook - Hfxcarpoolers Twitter - @hfxcarpoolers

5) HRSB and HWHS - to make announcement and website updates this afternoon. http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/
http://www.hwhs.ednet.ns.ca/

6) I'm also working on getting approval from some local businesses who have larger parking lots if they would allow for some interim carpooling parking. More to follow.

Please help spread the word!

Town Hall Meeting Tonight & Special Valentine Fundraiser by 10 year-old

2012-01-30T14:08:00.000-04:00

A few notices:

Tonight our MLA Diana Whalen is hosting a town hall meeting this Monday evening, January 30th, on Immigration and Being a Welcoming Community. It's at the Keshen Goodman Library at 7pm.

Also just in time for Valentine and a great way to show you love more than just the person you're buying a card for. One of Maskwa Aquatic Club's paddlers is raising money for the Gambia..

Jakob Conrad is 10 years old and already thinking about ways that he can make a difference. For the second year in a row, Jakob’s Twoonies from Toubabs fundraising campaign will help fund lifesaving education and health initiatives in The Gambia. The campaign sells original Valentine’s Day cards and all proceeds are donated to Nova Scotia-Gambia Association.

“I learned that people there [in The Gambia, West Africa], have so little, but are so happy. And here we have so much, but always want more.” says Jakob, a Halifax native.

Twoonies For Toubabs started last year, when Jakob expressed his interest to visit the small West African country. His mother, Cathy Conrad, Acting Executive Director for NSGA at the time, knew that Jakob would come away from the experience with an enriched perspective on life. Twoonies from Toubabs was Jakob’s way of giving back. ‘Toubab” is a Gambian term for foreigners, and Jakob coined the name by himself. He started his campaign by selling Valentine’s Day cards and raised almost $3000.00 for the NSGA in 2011.

Jakob’s passion to raise money for health and education in The Gambia continues this year. Twoonies from Toubabs features six new Valentine’s Day cards at a cost of $2 each or 6 for $10. His goal is to raise $2000.00. Minuteman Press Halifax has generously donated the printing cost for all Valentine’s cards for the second year in row.

“The NSGA sincerely appreciates Jakob’s generosity. This money has gone such a long way to enhancing the education of so many youth across the country. I am so impressed that someone so young has such a big heart.” says Muhammed Ngallan, Executive Director of NSGA.

To hear Jakob talking about his first experience in The Gambia last year, along with photos from his trip, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYdU1qUT2T0.Visit the 2012 Twoonies for Toubab Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/309443455767397/

You can learn more information about last year’s campaign at: www.wix.com/toubabs/twoonies. To learn more about NSGA visit: www.novascotiagambia.ca

To purchase Valentine’s Cards please contact;
Nova Scotia – Gambia Association
1574 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J-2B3
(902) 423-1360
info@novascotiagambia.ca

Looking for new Rockingham Resident Chair

2012-01-20T09:32:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
This is a note from Denise Teas, former Rockingham Chair. Please take the time to read and if anyone would be willing to take on the Chair position please email me, Renee Field at rbfield@eastlink.ca to discuss.

As an update to Denise notes - I have been talking with Debbie Hum about the sun shelter and am hoping for more information on the designs. I am also hoping someone within the community will step forward to help with this project. Look for more emails on this matter.

_______________________________________________________________

Over the past year I have had to opportunity to meet many wonderful people in the Rockingham area. As most of you are aware, our spare time is precious. Due to current personal and career commitments, I can no longer act as chair person for the RRA. If there is someone out there who is interested please let Renee Field know by February 15th. In the past year I have met with Debbie Hum in hopes of having a sun shelter built at DJ Butler playground. This shelter is planned to be open concept and very accessible. I would appreciate it if someone would be able to continue with this initiative which includes speaking with residents, applying for some funding to contribute to construction of this shelter, or perhaps conducting a fundraiser.

If no one steps forward to take on the duties of chair, the RRA will come to a conclusion. All current funds will be put toward facilitation of the ice rink at DJ Butler for this year and next year. - Denise Teas

Lock your vehicles and MLA newsletter

2012-01-16T09:48:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
A quick note to remind you to lock your vehicles at night. There have been reports on Bobolink of theft from cars. We are calling this the cowboy thief as the person seems to be wearing cowboy boots. It's happening between 2am-5am. Please if this happens to your vehicle call the HRM Police non-emergency line at 490-5020.

Below is our MLA Diana Whalen's newsletter.

Greetings!

Happy New Year! With 2012 in full swing, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.

The legislature wrapped up on December 15. Among the bills passed was one that will lower the speed limits in school zones to 30 kilometers per hour. That's quite a change from the current 50 kph and I urged the government to do extensive public awareness advertising before it is implemented. This change is similar to other provinces and will increase safety for the children. It isn't in effect yet, but I want to let everyone know that it is coming.

In my work as MLA I am also the Liberal Immigration critic. Immigration is important in our riding of Clayton Park as we are the most multi-cultural community in the province. On Monday, January 30th I am hosting a public meeting at the Keshen Goodman Library on Immigration and the role of a welcoming community. Details are below.

I hope you will share this e-newsletter with others. It is a way for us to share news and events for our community. If you have an event or notice you would like me to include, please call me at 443-8318.

Public Meeting on Immigration & Welcoming Communities

Clayton Park is known as the most culturally diverse community in Nova Scotia. I am proud of our multicultural character and believe that Clayton Park can and should be a model for others in becoming a welcoming community. The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration promotes programs and services that help us welcome newcomers to Canada. I will be joined at the public meeting by representatives from the YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs, ISIS (Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services), and the Office of Immigration.

As the Liberal Immigration critic I know that there are many people who want to volunteer or get involved in helping newcomers. This meeting is a chance to learn about some of the things that are being done to help people adjust and thrive in Nova Scotia. The meeting will provide background and information about immigration to Nova Scotia and highlight some success stories.

Monday, January 30, 2012

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Keshen Goodman Library, Thomas Raddall Room

Halifax North West Trails Association: Open House

The Halifax North West Trails Association will be hosting an open house on Monday, January 16 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. at the Trinity Anglican Church (321 Main Avenue, Fairview).

Join them to find out about a planned extension for the Mainland North Linear Parkway Trail (near Main Avenue and Dunbrack Street). Bob MacDonald, Chair of the Halifax North West Trails Association, and Don Ambler of the HRM Regional Trails Program will be speaking at 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

For more information please visit www.halifaxnorthwesttrails.ca.

Campaign for a February Holiday

As MLA for Clayton Park I have been advocating for a February holiday since 2005. I continue to press for this holiday even though three premiers have turned it down so far. Nova Scotia has only five statutory holidays (the fewest of any province in Canada).

Since 2005, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and PEI have joined Alberta in celebrating a February holiday and British Columbia has announced they will add this holiday in 2013. Having a holiday in February has had many positive spin offs in other provinces. Winter carnivals and community festivals take place as families have a long weekend to relax. Having a chance to rejuvenate is good for individual health and wellness and ultimately helps us be more productive at work.

With provinces across Canada joining the trend, Premier Dexter should be considering this. You can show your support for the holiday by writing to Premier Dexter.

Email: premier@gov.ns.ca

Mailing:

Office of the Premier
PO Box 726
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T3.

Click here to see a recent article on the February holiday written by The Coast Kyle Shaw.

Series: Heart and Spirit of Our Communities

MSVU is presenting The Heart and Spirit of Our Communities, a series of cafés, films and celebrations that will offer opportunities to meet and engage in discussions with members of our diverse spiritual and cultural communities.

The events are intended to connect our community with the Mount and they would love many residents of Clayton Park and Rockingham to attend. More information on each event can be found at http://msvu.ca/heartandspirit or please contact Kim MacAulay, Spiritual Life Coordinator at MSVU, at kim.macaulay@msvu.ca or 457 6446.

A Café of Poetry and Performance (Featuring Shauntay Grant)
January 19, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Evaristus Hall, Peace Room (C410)

Film: The Spirit of Annie Mae
January 26, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Seton Academic Centre, Room 404-405

Celebration: UN Interfaith Harmony Week
Visions of a Harmonious World
February 5, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Evaristus Hall, Peace Room (C410)

Bella Rose Arts Centre: Cinderella the Ballet

The Maritime Conservatory of the Arts will present Cinderella the Ballet at the Bella Rose Arts Centre (283 Thomas Raddall Drive). Set to the hauntingly stunning music of Prokofiev, and featuring John O'Neil's original and beautiful set design, this delightful ballet captures the imagination of young and old alike.

Saturday, February 25, 2012 - 2:00pm

Saturday, February 25, 2012 - 7:00pm

To purchase tickets for $15, please visit the Bella Rose Arts Centre website or call 457-3239.

Contact Information

Phone: (902) 443 8318
Email: whalendc@gov.ns.ca
Website: www.dianawhalen.com

Register Today For Marathon Skating at Hfx Oval

2012-01-09T11:34:00.000-04:00

Marathon Skating International, the Halifax Regional Speed Skating Club, and the Halifax Regional Municipality are pleased to announce the return of the “Skate the Common” Marathon on February 18-19, 2012 at the Emera Oval on the Halifax Common. More 5K and 10K options, a 25K, and new this year, a triathlon and sledge racing!

The speed skating competition will be sanctioned by Speed Skate Nova Scotia, and the triathlon by Triathlon Nova Scotia. The 25K event will be included in the Marathon Skating International Points Series, with points accumulated by skaters counting towards their season standing for purposes of the Pierre Gagné Trophy.

Chip timing provided by MSI Sports Timing for the events on the oval.
Featured Events:
5K Big Ice Icebreaker Race 1 – skaters under 20
5K Big Ice Icebreaker Race 2 – skaters 20 and over
This event was so popular last year that we’ve had to divide it into two races. Registration will be capped at 60 skaters for each race. This introductory level event will appeal to skaters of all ages, with any type of skates. If you’ve been skating at the public skates at your local arena, you can do this distance – 12½ laps of the oval.

10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge Race 1 – skaters under 20
10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge Race 2 – skaters 20 and over
Hockey, ringette, figure and recreational skaters – are you known for your skating skills? Do you think you can go the distance? Take on the speed skaters in this 10 kilometre event – 25 laps of the oval! This event has also been divided into two races, with registration capped at 60 skaters for each race.

25K Big Ice Challenge
For the really serious skater, this one has 62½ laps of the oval, and is
a good test of your endurance and skating skills. Registration will be
capped at 70 skaters.

Tri-the-Oval Winter Triathlon
New this year! Individual or team triathlon – 5K Skate, 6K Bike, 4.2K Run on the Emera Oval and the Halifax Common. Details are available at this link. Registration will be capped at 80 participants.

3K Top Blade Sledge Race
New this year! For the sledge hockey players out there, come and
show your speed and endurance on the Big Ice. Registration will be
capped at 60 participants

Schedule
Friday, February 17, 2012
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Practice time on the oval
Saturday, February 18, 2012
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

Check-in and assignment of timing chips for 5K Big Ice Icebreaker – Race 1
Warm up time on the oval
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 5K Big Ice Icebreaker – Race 1
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM Check-in and assignment of timing chips for 5K Big Ice Icebreaker – Race 2
10:00 AM Medal ceremony for 5K Big Ice Icebreaker – Race 1
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 5K Big Ice Icebreaker – Race 2
11:30 AM
Medal ceremony for 5K Big Ice Icebreaker – Race 2
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Check-in and assignment of timing chips for 25K Big Ice Challenge
Warm up time on the oval
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
25K Big Ice Challenge
4:00 PM
Medal ceremony for 25K Big Ice Challenge
Sunday, February 19, 2011
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Race kit pick up and assignment of timing chips for Tri-the-Oval Winter Triathlon
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Warm up time on the oval
8:30 AM
Race briefing
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Tri-the-Oval Winter Triathlon
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Check-in and assignment of timing chips for 10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge Race 1 – skaters under 20
10:30 AM
Awarding of prizes for Tri-the-Oval Winter Triathlon
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge Race 1 – skaters under 20
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Check-in and assignment of timing chips for 10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge Race 2 – skaters 20 and over
12:30 PM
Medal ceremony for 10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge Race 1 – skaters under 20
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge Race 2 – skaters 20 and over
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Check-in and assignment of timing chips for 3K Top Blade Sledge Race
2:30 PM
Medal ceremony for 10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge Race 2 – skaters 20 and over
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
3K Top Blade Sledge Race
4:00 PM
Medal ceremony for 3K Top Blade Sledge Race

Registration & Contact Info:
For information on the skating events, please contact Sheila McGinn.
For information on the triathlon, please contact Marie-Claude Grégoire.
For information on the sledge races, contact Francis Durand

Registration is available though the following links: http://www.atlanticchip.ca/events/details.php?show=869

5K, 10K, and 25K skating races and 3K sledge race
Tri-the-Oval Winter Triathlon
Fees:
5K Big Ice Icebreaker
$20
10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge
$20
25K Big Ice Challenge
$30
Tri-the-Oval Winter Triathlon
$25 individual / $50 team before Dec 31st
$35 individual / $70 team after December 31st
$40 individual / $80 team on race day
3K Top Blade Sledge Race
$15
Racing Rules - Marathon races: Slowest skaters will skate on the inside track of the oval, with all passing done on the outside. Helmets are required for skaters 12 and under, and are recommended for all skaters.

Triathlon:
SKATE: Helmets are mandatory. Helmets must be approved for multi-impacts and without ventilation holes (to protect from blades). Ski/snowboard helmet or hockey helmet are perfect. Bike helmets won't be accepted (we have a few extra helmets for those who don't have one). All types of skates accepted (figure skating, hockey, and speed skating). Slower skaters will skate on the inside of the Oval, faster skaters on the outside (marathon speed skating rule).
BIKE: Bike helmet mandatory (everyone will have to change helmets, as each protects in a different way). Mountain bikes only (no cyclocross bikes). Drafting allowed, passing on the left only, studded tires allowed. Bike tires have to be larger than 40 mm or 1.5 inch.
RUN: Studded/yaktrax-like, trail & regular running shoes allowed (but not track shoes), no snowshoes, no barefoot running, but 5-fingers accepted.

HRM New Year's Eve Announcements

2011-12-29T17:41:00.000-04:00

1) HRM Public Service Announcement

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Emera Oval
(December 29, 2011) -Ring in 2012 at an HRM Family New Year’s Eve celebration at the Emera Oval.

Enjoy live music, skating and fireworks.

WHAT: HRM’s Family New Year’s Eve Celebration

WHERE: Emera Oval, Halifax Common

DATE: Saturday, Dec. 31

TIME: 6 p.m.

The evening’s event will begin at 6 p.m. with a live performance by DJ Dollar, followed by Razzmatazz for Kids at 6:30 p.m. A fireworks display over the Oval is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and live entertainment will continue into the evening. Skaters can enjoy the ice until midnight weather dependent.

Skaters are reminded to always check the Emera Oval hotline at 490-2347 for schedule changes due to weather or other conditions.

Visit skatehrm.ca for event information, condition updates and to view a calendar of Emera Oval programs, and follow skatehrm on Facebook and Twitter.

2) Public Service Announcement

New Year's Eve 2011 in Grand Parade
(December 29, 2011) HRM’s New Year’s Eve show in Grand Parade is back. The festivities will begin at 9:30 p.m. on December 31 with live entertainment. The live broadcast of the event will begin on CTV Two at 10 p.m. A fireworks display will take place at midnight.

Hosted by CTV Morning personalities, this year's entertainment features Carleton Stone, The Mellotones and Three Sheet.

For more information call the HRM Events Line at 490-6776 or visit: www.halifax.ca/NewYearsEve

Local author of African Chronicles on CKDU Tonight

2011-12-20T14:35:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
Tonight one of Rockingham's local authors will be on Dalhousie University's CKDU radio station. See his message below.

I’m inviting old friends, including a lot of ”old Africa hands”, to tune in to radio station CKDU- FM 88.3, on Tuesday, December 20 at 1:40 PM Atlantic Time to hear my 45 minute live interview with Stephen Patrick Clare on his program The Book Report.

From outside of Halifax, you can access the interview live on-line at 1:40 PM Atlantic Time; 12:40 Eastern Time; 11:40 Central Time; 10:40 Pacific Time; 5:40 PM Greenwich Mean Time: at www.ckdu.ca. When the CKDU website comes up, click on Listen on-line and then select High Stream or Low Stream.

Hope you will all have an opportunity to listen. If you have any comments afterwards, I’d be very pleased to hear from you. I have no idea what kind of questions he will ask or where the interview will take us.

Wishing you all a great Christmas holiday and best wishes in the New Year,

Burris (and Louanne)
http://www.burrisdevanney.com/

Newsletter from MLA Diana Whalen

2011-12-16T14:42:00.000-04:00

Newsletter from Diana Whalen, MLA for our area:

The holiday season is here and I hope you are able to spend time with your family and friends enjoying the spirit of the season. In the midst of the hectic shopping, baking, and visiting I encourage you to think of others less fortunate.

Today, I received this great picture of students from Halifax West High School. It shows the spirit of giving at work in our community as the students delivered three car loads of winter coats, mittens, hats and boots to the Brunswick Street Mission. This photo from the Executive Director of the shelter really says it all. Well done, HWHS!

In this holiday newsletter, I have included a few events that are happening in the next few weeks in our area. I hope you will be able to attend and get in the spirit of Christmas (with or without the snow!).

However you and your family celebrate this season, I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

Public Skating at Centennial Arena
There are public skates available at Centennial Arena (27 Vimy Avenue). Remember, helmets are required for all public skating!
Pre-School Skate: Mondays 9:00am - 10:30am
Recreational Skate: Mondays 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Senior Skates: Mondays 12:00pm - 1:30pm; Tuesday - Friday 10:00am - 12:00pm (Cost: $2.00)
Adult Recreational Skate (Age 19+): Sundays 9:00pm - 11:00pm (Cost: $4.00)
For more information, please call the Centennial Arena at 902-490-4926.

An Afternoon of Harp & Song at St. Peter's Anglican Church
An Afternoon of Harp & Song will feature my daughter, Caroline Whalen, as a soloist and singers from the East Coast Carolling Co. The concert is at St. Peter's Anglican Church (corner of the Kearney Lake Road and Bedford Highway) at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18th.
Tickets are $12 and are available at the door or by calling Glenn Taylor at 443-1257.

Fun at the Fairview Christmas Tree Lighting
Councillor Russell Walker and I at the event. Congratulations to the organizers of the First Annual Fairview Christmas Tree Lighting!

On December 11th Freeman's Restaurant presented the event in support of the Fairview/Clayton Park Community Action Group (CAN). It was wonderful to see so many of you out to celebrate the season with festive treats, Christmas carols and a special visit for the children from Santa Claus himself!

I look forward to this becoming a wonderful holiday tradition for our community.

New Year's Day Levees - A Traditional Meet and Greet
New Year's Day Levees are a long-time tradition here in Halifax. On New Year's Day the Lieutenant Governor, the Mayor, the military and others mark the start of another year with an open house or reception with food and refreshments which is called a Levee. These are open to the public and provide an opportunity to exchange New Year's greetings, renew old acquaintances and meet new friends.

Here in Clayton Park the Royal Canadian Legion in Fairview (50 Hillcrest Ave. at the corner of Main Ave.) is holding its annual Levee from 12-1pm on January 1, 2012. The Legion members welcome everyone to drop by.

Saint Benedict Church (Corner of Radcliffe Drive and Dunbrack Street) is also having a Levee. Last year they began this tradition in their new church and this year's Levee will be held from 12:30 - 3pm on New Year's Day. Parishioners bring food from around the world to reflect the diversity of the parish. All are welcome.

Contact Information
Phone: (902) 443 8318
Email: whalendc@gov.ns.ca
Website: www.dianawhalen.com

Sisters of Charity Sell Property

2011-11-29T08:17:00.002-04:00

Sisters of Charity sign agreement with Southwest Properties for sale of 63-acre property

Halifax, NS, November 28, 2011 - Sisters of Charity-Halifax have signed an agreement with Southwest Properties Limited for redevelopment of the 63-acre property overlooking the Bedford Basin, where the Congregation’s Motherhouse once stood.

Sister Donna Geernaert, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity, says “in our request for proposals, we made it clear that the decisions around the land are values-based and Southwest did a good job of building those into its proposal. The vision for the property is to create an environmentally sustainable, integrated community – a vibrant neighbourhood for our Sisters living here and for others in the area.”

Approximately 80 retired Sisters live in Caritas Residence, built on an adjacent property three years ago. The Congregation’s “head office” and archives are also located in that new building, on a separate floor called the Sisters of Charity Centre.

Influencing the choice of Southwest Properties as purchaser of the land, Sister Donna says, was the fact that “Southwest is a Nova Scotian, family-run business with a proven track record.” Other factors included the company’s commitment to social responsibility and the recognition it has earned for past projects – including awards for eco-efficiency, urban design and excellence in a mixed-use project.

“We are pleased the Sisters of Charity have entrusted this land to Southwest Properties based on our proposal’s values, vision and commitment to the community,” said CEO, Jim Spatz. “They have owned and occupied this land for generations and we are committed to shaping the next chapter by being good neighbours and stewards of this important place, as the Sisters have been.”

The next step in this process for Southwest Properties is to work toward a development agreement with the Halifax Regional Municipality. Included in that process will be opportunities for public input.

Sisters of Charity-Halifax have owned the Rockingham property since 1872. The Congregation is self-funded, with no financial support from the Roman Catholic

Church, so the decision to sell the land is seen as one of financial stewardship, helping to provide for the future needs of its members and its mission of service. There are currently just over 400 members of the Sisters of Charity-Halifax living across Canada, in the eastern United States, Bermuda and Peru.

Southwest Properties creates quality spaces. From new residential or commercial development to repositioning an existing property, the company believes in going beyond the necessary to create inspiring environments. Southwest endeavors to improve peoples’ lives through the spaces where they live, work, shop and play. Southwest currently owns and operates more than 1,250 quality apartments and condos situated in the best residential areas of Halifax. The portfolio also includes commercial developments in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Maskwa Aquatic Club Christmas Wreaths on Sale Now

2011-11-18T13:33:00.000-04:00

Maskwa Aquatic Club's Christmas Wreaths are up and running. This is a fundraiser to help the Maskwa paddling athletes train in Florida.

The Maskwa wreaths are made locally by a supplier with a small operation in New Ross, NS. We have some very good established customers who buy a wreath from us every year. These buyers realize the quality and like to support our club as we are a non-profit organization. Some of these customers are relatives, friends, past presidents, past members and even friends of theirs. I am always surprised that people look for their Maskwa wreath in early December. This is a tradition and one we don’t want to lose.

I want to thank all of you now who bought wreaths, promoted wreaths and helped out in any way. We want this to be another great year and we want all members to support us.

The wreaths are $17 without a bow and $20 with a bow. These beautiful bows come in red, burgundy, or ivory. Our 16” wreath is the most popular size which just covers your front door nicely. The deadline for wreath orders is Tuesday, November 28th. The wreaths can be picked up from 9 AM to 12 NOON on Sunday, December 4th.

Wreath orders or inquiries can be e-mailed to Joanne Ward-Jerrett jwardjerrett@eastlink.ca) or Wendy Haley (wendy@landmark.ca).

We wish you all a happy holiday season and I do hope you enjoy your wreath!

Playground/MP Public Meeting

2011-11-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

DJ Butler Playground info:

Yesterday my sons noticed that the Saturn sign looked to be smashed in half and that the monkey bars on the older playground set were quite loose. A report was sent to HRM and they are now following up on both.

MP Public Meeting:

Let's Talk #101 with Geoff Regan, M.P. for Halifax West
Where: Mount Saint Vincent University
Alice Egan Hagen Board Room, 2nd floor Rosaria Student Centre
166 Bedford Highway, Halifax

When: Saturday, November 19, 2011
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For more information, please contact the constituency office at 902-426-2217 or e-mail geoff@geoffregan.ca.

Maskwa Aquatic Club AGM Tonight & HRM Sport Stadium Input

2011-11-14T10:51:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:

Two important notices:

All members of the soccer community are encouraged to participate in the ongoing public consultation by HRM on the proposed sports stadium for Halifax.

Visit HRM's special website http://www.hrmstadium.ca/ where you can access background information, participate in an online survey, and learn about public discussion sessions.

The next public session is Wednesday, November 16 at the Halifax Forum Maritime Hall from 7:00-9:00 PM. Halifax City Soccer Club encourages all of its members to go out to show your interest, learn more about the stadium proposal and provide your input!

Also Tonight is Maskwa Aquatic Club's Annual General Meeting - starts at 7pm inside Heritage Hall (that's the new building). I'm hoping many members and non-members will join us to find out what's been going on at the club and our plans for the upcoming 2012 paddling and swimming season. For more information on the club please visit http://www.maskwa.ca/. Coffee/tea and treats on hand tonight.

Remembrance Day Services - Clayton Park inside Canada Games Centre

2011-11-11T09:17:00.000-04:00

Public Service Announcement

Some Remembrance Day Services Relocating for Weather

(November 10, 2011) Some Remembrance Day services in HRM may relocate due to weather concerns. Individual Legions organize their own services.

Please contact your local Legion for information on potential relocations.

At present HRM knows of two adjustments.
Bedford
RELOCATED TO: Winners retail space in Bedford Place Mall (previously at Fish Hatchery Park)

Clayton Park
RELOCATED TO: Canada Games Centre, 10:45 a.m. (previously at Korea War Memorial, Stratford Way in Clayton Park West ).

The service in Grand Parade is set to take place rain or shine.
Visit halifax.ca for a list of some Remembrance Day services.

Newsletter from our MLA - Remembrance Day Services/Heating Rebate & More

2011-11-08T11:35:00.000-04:00

Newsletter from our MLA Diana Whalen:

Remembrance Day Service
For the past few years there has been a Remembrance Day service held right here in Clayton Park. Councillor Mary Wile organizes the Remembrance Day event at the Korean War Memorial in Stratford Way Park on November 11, 2011 at 10:45 am. The park is located on Stratford Way in Clayton Park West (just off of Lacewood Drive).

Following the service there will be a short ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil two art projects in the park, the "Mandala" and the "Path of Peace". These projects were designed and made by students at Halifax West High and Park West schools.

I hope to see many of you there as we show our respect to veterans and remember their sacrifices.

Meeting on Chronic Pain
Action Atlantic is a volunteer group that works to raise awareness about the prevalence and impacts of chronic pain, as well as supports patients and physicians and advocates on behalf of those suffering from chronic pain.

On Saturday, November 12th at 1:00 p.m. there will be an information session in honour of National Pain Awareness Week 2011 at the Comfort Inn on Chain Lake Drive. The session is free and open to the public, and will provide the opportunity to hear from a physician, a patient, and an experienced support group coordinator.

For more information, please visit their website at www.paincantwait.ca or email tmbremner@eastlink.ca.

Heating Assistance Rebate
Applications for the Heating Assistance Rebate for 2011-2012 are now available. The Heating Assistance Rebate Program provides help to low- and modest-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating.

The program offers a rebate of up to $200 for eligible applicants who heat their home with oil, electricity, wood, propane, wood pellets, natural gas or coal. Single people with an income of $27,000 or less and households with an annual income of $42,000 or less qualify for a rebate.

Applications are available at my office (287 Lacewood Drive, Suite 303, above the Lawtons Drug Mart in the Park West Mall) and you must apply by March 31, 2012. For more information, please visit www.homeheatinghelp.ca.

Aviva Community Fund
Do you have an idea for positive change in our community? If so, Aviva has a challenge for you.
Aviva Canada is running a nationwide campaign to promote community improvement projects. Between now and December 16, 2011, you can submit your program or idea and vote for their favourite local causes at AvivaCommunityFund.org. The most popular ideas will be evaluated by a judging panel, and the winning ideas will share a $1 million fund!

Winners will be announced on January 25, 2011. Wouldn't you love to see a submission from Clayton Park among them? Visit AvivaCommunityFund.org for more information.

Contact Information
Phone: (902) 443-8318
Email: whalendc@gov.ns.ca
Website: www.dianawhalen.com

Local Authors Debut YA Book Hits Top 100 list on Amazon

2011-11-07T08:27:00.000-04:00

Okay after I screamed my Monday morning joy I thought I'd share my great news. My debut young adult novel Off Leash under my pen name Renee Pace (Pace is my maiden name for those wondering) just made Amazon.com Top 100 list for Best Children's Boys and Men's Books.

I know this list will change hourly but to even grace this page is amazing. I'm so happy and this just inspires me to keep writing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/155772011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_k

inc_1_5_last#5

Renee Pace
www.reneepace.com
twitter@ReneePaceYA
Off Leash – semi-finalist in 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest
Off Leash:Bonus Content (Nitty Gritty series) Kindle
http://amzn.com/B005S34JO2
Off Leash: Bonus Conent – print book http://amzn.com/146643791X

Rockingham Community Centre Foot Clinic & Seeking Volunteers

2011-11-06T08:11:00.000-04:00

Foot Clinic at Rockingham Community Centre:

The Bedford Orthotics is hosting a Foot Clinic at the Rockingham Community Centre

Monday, November 21, 2011 From 7:15-8:15 pm. The Clinic will focus on:

The foot and how it relates to t he body. Common foot injuries and how to treat them
Foot wear & Shopping. They will be measuring feet and Handout samples
For further information, please call the Rockingham Community Centre at 490-4686

Rockingham Community Centre Seeks Volunteers:
Do you know about the Rockingham Community Centre on the Bedford Highway? Do you know what activities happen at the Centre? Do you have approximately two hours a month, to help keep this historic landmark running, as a viable community contribution? Help share in the vision of what the potential of our Community Centre could be while serving our community as a volunteer or as a new Board member.

The Rockingham Community Centre is a non-profit organization. The Centre exists to serve everyone in the community of Rockingham by providing education, information, recreation, and opportunities to promote interaction with each other, thus enabling individuals to improve their physical, mental, and social well being. The Centre is promoted as an activity and information focal point for seniors, youth, and all ages, of the Rockingham area. Some of the programs offered are children’s afternoon and after school activity program, senior’s fitness, Tai Chi programs, belly dance, and dog obedience.

The Centre is in need of volunteers to keep it operating to continue to assist in serving the needs of the people of the Rockingham area. A small handful of volunteers and staff have been working tirelessly to keep the Centre running. The Centre needs and welcomes new volunteers to assist with Board operations and everyday operations of the Community Centre. We are currently looking for someone to assist in recordkeeping as the position of secretary is available.

Please leave a message at 443-8137, to find out how you can assist in keeping the Centre operating!

Please help keep our Rockingham Community Centre operating!

Capital Health Concert Perfect for Holidays

2011-11-05T09:47:00.000-03:00

Tickets are on sale for It's a Capital Christmas, a '60s style holiday variety show that's sure to get you into the holiday spirit. You'll want to get tickets quickly as there is limited seating available.

Our own Rockingham resident Dan Steeves is directing this holiday performance - so excited for you Dan.

Our own Starr Dobson's Debut Book: My Goat Gertrude

2011-11-01T18:05:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:

I was very excited today when I got mail from Nimbus publishing. I ripped it out open and said a huge yes. It's an invite to our own Starr Dobson's book launch of her children's book, My Goat Gertrude. Since I can't make it (my leg is currently in a cast and my life revolves around the sofa) I'm hoping she won't mind that I'm extending the invite to the entire community -lol.

Mark this Saturday, November 5 and join Starr for her book launch at Hatfield Farm (1840 Hammonds Plains Rd) from 10am-12pm.

Let me just add that illustrator Dayle Dodwell did a fabulous job on the cover. It's beautiful.

This looks like a great read and I can't wait to get my hands on it even though my daughter, Talia has already told me she plans to claim it.

HRM Boundary Review Updates and more HRM stuff

2011-10-30T14:11:00.000-03:00

1) HRM DISTRICT BOUNDARY REVIEW

(See LINK) http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview/index.html

From current 23 districts to 16 districts will be in effect for then next municipal election Oct. 2012.

IMPORTANT REMINDER :

FYI HRM DISTRICT BOUNDARY REVIEW RECOMMENDED SCENARIO 1 (revised). Proposed district boundary changes are significant. A high level overview of proposed changes to District 16, which will be divided between 3 new proposed districts, see link and description of changes. The public still has time to provide feedback to the UARB.

The NSUARB will hold public meetings on the boundary submission forwarded by HRM.

Residents will have an opportunity to speak at that time should they wish. To do so, individuals may make either written submissions or sign up to speak at the evening portion of the hearing, which will be held on Monday, November 7th at 7 p.m. (and extending to Nov. 8, 9th if necessary)

Written submissions or requests to speak must be made to the NSUARB by Monday, October 31, 2011.

Reference should be made to matter no. MB-10-06 / M03816 Halifax Regional Municipality.

Contact information for the NSUARB is:
email: uarb.board@gov.ns.ca
phone: 424-4448

DISTRICT 16 (ROCKINGHAM WENTWORTH) PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGES:

Note: other districts' proposed changes and maps are available on HRM website:

http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview/index.html

1) Proposed District J /D10 See map link: http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview/Documents/DISTRICT10_2012.pdf

From South of Shaunlieve, /Hemlock Ravine Park north boundary, westerly incl areas off Bedford Hwy south portion of Prince's Lodge (from Lodge/Kent/Prince's Walk/Tall Trees), Birch Cove in Rockingham incl MSVU, Clayton Park , past lower Main Ave inbound to Joe Howe Dr, includes Fairview, southwest along Joe Howe to Hwy 102 to Dunbrack St, up north boundary of Main Ave to Linear Park Trail (Incl Birkdale/Westridge/Willett to Lacewood Dr, east to Dunbrack St, to Kearney Lake Road Exit 2 to Hwy 102 easterly back to north boundary of Hemlock Ravine Park/Bedford Basin.

2) Proposed District L /D 12 - See map link:

http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview/Documents/DISTRICT12_2012.pdf

Existing District 16's Birch Cove Lakes , Kearney Lake community, Wedgewood and Sherwood Heights neighborhoods, and Farnham Gate north side will now be included in proposed District L /D12 Clayton Park West/Beechville/Timberlea, and also incl Bayers Lake, portion of Clayton Park West and Clayton Park .

3) Proposed District P /D16 - Bedford/Bedford South/Wentworth/Bedford West

Existing District 16 north boundary in former city of Halifax - incl Fernleigh Park, south along Bed. Hwy off Larry Uteck Blvd/Wentworth Estates, Royale Hemlock Estates, north portion of Prince's Lodge to south side of Shaunslieve/north of Hemlock Ravine Park boundary; then westerly to Hwy 102 to Exit 2B Larry Uteck interchange will all be in the new proposed Bedford /Wentworth/Bedford West district.

http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview/Documents/DISTRICT16_2012.pdf

2) CRIME PREVENTION SERIES - PRESENTED BY HALIFAX REGIONAL POLICE

NEXT COMMUNITY SESSION TOPIC - Common By-Law Issues

Wed. Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m.
Rockingham United Church, 12 Flamingo Dr
http://www.halifax.ca/police/PublicSafety/index.html

3) Chebucto Community Council (normally meet the first Monday of each month with some exceptions)

Next meeting is scheduled for Mon. Nov 7th, 7 p.m.
Keshen Goodman Library for agenda, minutes, reports go to: http://www.halifax.ca/Commcoun/ccc/agenda.html

4) HRM Volunteer Awards!

Nominate Someone for a 2012 Volunteer Award

Recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and groups who volunteer their time and skills to provide services and programs in HRM communities.

Nomination deadline is Friday, December 9, 2011. For more information see website link below:

http://www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices/awards/index.html

5) HRM VOLUNTEER CONFERENCE NOV 18, 19th!

This year's Volunteer Conference is taking place Fri. Nov 18, and Sat. Nov 19th and welcomes new
volunteers, youth volunteers, non-profit board members, and /or volunteers of community groups and organizations. For more information see website link below:

http://www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices/VolunteerConference.html

6) BEDFORD WATERSHED ADVISORY BOARD (BWAB)

SPECIAL MEETING - THE BIRCH COVE LAKES WATERSHED STUDY Was held WED. Oct. 26th, 7 p.m.BASINVIEW SCHOOL CAFETERIA, 273 BASINVIEW DR, BEDFORD

The meeting was held as a public meeting hosted by the BWAB.
The format of the meeting included
1. Staff presentation
2. Consultant presentation
3. Questions and comments from board members
4. Questions and comments from members of the public
For the agenda and minutes, please go to:
http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bwac/BedfordWatershedAdvisoryBoardagendaOctober262011.html

If you would like to be included on future email notices and updates on the Birch Cove Lakes Watershed Study, please contact:
Paul Morgan, HRM Senior Planner: email: morganp@halifax.ca or phone 490 4482,
or Jennifer Weagle, Legislative Clerk (BWAB) at: email weaglej@halifax.ca or phone 490 6517.

Dead Coyote Found on Old CNHS radio lands

2011-10-22T17:47:00.000-03:00

DEAD COYOTE FOUND AND DISPOSED:

Two local residents and their dog came upon quite a surprise this week as they were heading back from a walk through Tremont Park. A dead coyote was found on the former radio transmitter lands just up at the top of Tremont Drive, to the right, beyond the metal barrier to the radio transmitter lands, about 20 feet past the brush on the right side.

After contacting NS Dept of Natural Resources, then the Dep't of Transportation, both advised they do not remove dead wildlife from private property. I then contacted HRM Call Centre and HRM Public Works officials, an HRM Public Works crew have now removed and disposed of the dead coyote from the area. HRM do not normally remove dead wildlife from private property, however, due to it's very close proximity to well travelled Tremont Park, and very close to nearby residential neighborhood, and the remains to begin to decompose, they agreed to dispose of the dead coyote.

It was approximately 40-50 lbs, with no visible signs of external bodily injury, no blood, and appears it may have died of natural causes.

It does raise some concerns about coyotes now being closer in the urban core, as sightings have been reported the last few months in Hemlock Ravine Park and nearby neighborhoods.

But on behalf of all of us, I extend a sincere thanks to Nancy and Eleanor, who found the dead coyote and reported it to me and DNR. Nancy for meeting the HRM supervisor on site, and a special thanks to the HRM staff involved, for their quick response, and going above and beyond to have the dead coyote removed and disposed. It wouldn't have been pretty sight seeing the coyote decomposing after a few days and possible contamination and disease related issues.

Also:
HRM District Boundary Review outcome selected scenario 1 (revised) has been submitted to NS UARB. And its impact on our community is significant!! UARB are receiving submissions and presentations by the public. Hearing date is scheduled for Nov 7, 8 , 9th. More details forthcoming.

Bedford Watershed Advisory Board Meeting - Birch Cove Lakes Watershed Study to get underway - Meet the Consultants who will also be presenting. Oct. 26, 7 p.m. The public are encouraged to attend. More details forthcoming.

Hope you enjoy this beautiful weekend!

Debbie Hum
Councillor - District 16
Rockingham Wentworth
cell: 476 7212

Ship Building News

2011-10-20T17:26:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:
I would like to say to all the police women and men working today in the constant downpour of rain - thanks so much for redirecting traffic and doing your jobs. Honestly, what a miserable day. And, to the police officer posted at the bottom of Flamingo Drive who was redirecting traffic off the Bedford Highway great job, even when the obvious frazzled old lady tried to turn right when she couldn't. Still raining. Just wondering if that ship building news didn't bring this weather on - lots of rain and a boat - pretty sure there's a reference in some old ancient book about that -lol

And, here let me say a huge shout out for the Halifax economy! So happy we received the ship building contract!

Below is a PSA from our MP
Shipyard Contract Brings Economic Benefits To Atlantic Canada

OTTAWA (Oct. 20, 2011) – Members of the Atlantic Liberal Caucus congratulated the Irving Shipyard in Halifax on winning a massive $25 billion contract that will deliver huge economic benefits for the entire region over the next several decades.

“We are obviously pleased with the results of all the hard work put into this shipbuilding bid and we’re excited about the tremendous economic opportunities it brings to our entire region,” said Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking, Chair of the Liberal Atlantic Caucus.

“The jobs and economic spin offs from this contract will be a big bonus for existing workers and will provide opportunities for young people coming into the workforce,” Mr. Eyking added.

Halifax West MP Geoff Regan, Chair of the Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus, said everyone in the Atlantic region was behind the Irving bid because they recognized how important this work will be to the economy and to ensuring a strong, highly-skilled, workforce is maintained here.

“We felt the Halifax yard and the workers there are world-class and that the merit of this bid would lead to success in the end,” Mr. Regan noted.

He added that there is still a big job ahead.

“We have to continue to work very hard to ensure that this contract does strengthen our regional economy and that, as the bid states, is a plus for the entire country. If done right, this will ensure that going forward Canada has a stable shipbuilding industry that is highly innovative and globally competitive,” he added.

Mr. Eyking said the Liberal Party will continue to apply pressure on Ottawa to ensure the federal government rolls out this work as promised and does not get off track like other highly-touted projects such as the proposed naval support ships or new search and rescue aircraft.

PSA Notice for Bedford Watershed Advisory Board Meeting

2011-10-19T16:57:00.002-03:00

PSA NOTICE:

Please be advised that a special meeting of the Bedford Watershed Advisory Board has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria at the Basinview Drive Community School, 273 Basinview Drive, Bedford. The purpose of the meeting is for the Board to meet the consultants that are assisting the Municipality in undertaking the Birch Cove Lakes Watershed Study. The consultants will explain the work to be undertaken and hear any concerns or issues arising.

Take note that this is an information meeting, open to the public, and the Board will not be asked to make any decisions at this meeting.

Any member of the public wishing to speak or make a presentation at this committee meeting is asked to contact the HRM Clerks Office: clerks@halifax.ca or by calling their office at 490 4210, or the Committee's Legislative Assistant, Jennifer Weagle: weaglej@halifax.ca.

BWAC agenda and reports online (s/b posted by Fri, 5 p.m.)

http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bwac/index.html

HRM Accepting Nominations for Annual Volunteer Award

2011-10-13T12:49:00.000-03:00

HRM Now Accepting Nominations for Annual Volunteer Awards

Each year Mayor Peter Kelly and Halifax Regional Council recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and groups who volunteer their time and skills to provide services and programs in HRM communities. HRM is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Volunteer Awards.

Nominations are accepted in three categories: adult, youth (ages 13-19) and community group. Nomination criteria and applications can be found online at www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices.

Successful nominees will be notified in March 2012 and will be invited to attend a ceremony and reception taking place on April 18, 2012 when they will be officially presented with their award by Mayor Kelly and the councillor from their district. The award ceremony coincides with and is in celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 15-April 21, 2012.

From those selected to receive an HRM Volunteer Award, ten representatives will be sent on to the Provincial Volunteer Awards.

The deadline for nominations for the 2012 awards is Friday, December 9, 2011.

To find out more information about the awards, nomination criteria and to nominate someone who’s made a difference in your community, visit www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices .

Newletter from MLA Diana Whalen

2011-10-07T17:05:00.000-03:00

This is our MLA Diana Whalen's latest newsletter for those that don't get it.

Fall is in full swing, and on Halloween, October 31st, the House of Assembly will resume sitting. As your MLA for Halifax Clayton Park, I encourage you to contact my office with your input, feedback and concerns.

While my interest in health issues continues, I was recently assigned the new critic roles of Finance, Immigration and Insurance. As a member of the Official Opposition, I look forward to working on these issues and representing our community interests at the legislature.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving,

What's New at the Bella Rose Arts Centre
The Bella Rose Arts Centre is a wonderful theater right here in Clayton Park, and they have some exciting productions coming up!

Star Truck: A Space Oddity - Revenge of the Clowns is a "Play in a Day 2011" original comedy in support of the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia.

Saturday, October 15th at 7:00 p.m.

You've Got a Friend In Me is a concert in support of the Kids Help Phone, featuring Charlie A'Court, Juno award winner Meaghan Smith, Ukelele Mike and gypsy jazz specialists Swingology.

Saturday, October 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

Other upcoming events include Halifax West High School's production of RENT in December and The Sound of Music in May, so be sure to visit the Bella Rose website for tickets, prices and more information.

Caregivers Support Group
Caregivers Nova Scotia has started a new support group in Clayton Park. The group first met on September 21st and will meet on the third Wednesday of every month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Parkland Retirement Residence. (114 Fairfax Drive, in the Cameron Hall private dining room.)

The support group offers a confidential, friendly atmosphere to talk with other family caregivers about experiences and emotions. There is no cost. For more information and to register, please call 421-7390.

Vote for the Bay of Fundy!
The sun sets over the Bay of Fundy in NS.
On November 11th, the New 7 Wonders of Nature will be announced, and the Bay of Fundy is the only Canadian landmark left in the competition. Winning this designation will mean a lot to Nova Scotia.

At 53 feet, Bay of Fundy tides are higher than any other tide in the world. Enough seawater flows in and out of the bay twice daily to fill and then empty The Grand Canyon. The Bay of Fundy has been compared in marine biodiversity to the Amazon Rainforest, and it hosts over twelve species of whales.

So how do we make sure this globally significant natural wonder is recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature? Vote, vote, vote! You can vote online, as well as via phone or text right up until November 11th. Learn how you can "Promote The Vote" by visiting www.votemyfundy.com and check them out on Twitter and Facebook.

Fundraising Concert
A concert will be held on October 29th to benefit the Aaron C. Smith Jr Memorial Trust Fund. Aaron C. Smith Jr. came to Canada from a refugee camp in Ghana and sadly passed away after a drowning accident last year. The funds will benefit Aaron's brothers, niece and nephew as well as other refugee children.

The concert will feature The NorthWood Choir, Lisa Colley, the Faith Tabernacle Church Praise and Worship choir, and The Messiah's Men Gospel Choir from Liberia, where Aaron was from.

Sunday, October 29th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Faith Tabernacle Church (6225 Summit Street, Halifax)
Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Church Office or by contacting Aaron's mother, Dianna Cooper at 446-5842.

Feed Nova Scotia Food Drive
Grab some non-perishable food items and get ready to fight! Feed Nova Scotia is taking part in The Great Canadian Food Fight.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 13th, Feed NS will have just 48 hours to collect as much food as possible at Exhibition Park. Halifax will be competing against Regina, SK and Victoria, BC to collect the most food by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th. Last year over 69,000 kilograms of food was collected and Feed Nova Scotia would love to top that, so please pitch in and help spread the word!

For more information, please visit the Feed Nova Scotia website.
Halifax Mainland North Volunteer Committee
The Halifax Mainland North Volunteer Committee has been working for eight years recognizing great volunteers in Mainland North neighbourhoods. We organize the annual Champion Awards, a dinner event held each May. To do this, the committee needs your help.

We are seeking members to join the committee who can help identify volunteers throughout Mainland North. We meet monthly for one hour and will be rotating our meetings between mornings and evenings to better accommodate schedules. The overall goal of the committee is to honour volunteers who are making a difference in Halifax's Mainland North communities.

If you are interested in getting involved or have any questions, please email Renee Field, Chair, Mainland North Volunteer Committee at rbfield@eastlink.ca or call 495-0212.

Contact Information
Phone: (902) 443 8318
Email: whalendc@gov.ns.ca
Website: www.dianawhalen.com

Diana Whalen, MLA
303 - 287 Lacewood Drive
Halifax
NS
B3M 3Y7
Canada

Local Author Publishes YA book set in Halifax

2011-10-05T21:26:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:

I don't normally use this form to plug my own work as a writer and as hubby pointed out I do go out of my way to promote other artists so I sincerely hope many of you don't mind me using this blog to promote a dear project I'm thrilled to announce is ready to see the world.

Well for those that don’t know for the past two years I’ve been working on a young adult series and I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve finally taken the plunge into the world of Indie publication. My first young adult book, Off Leash was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest which had over 5000 entries. This story is a boy coming of age story that has alternate endings – the happily-ever-after Hollywood version and the real grounded nitty gritty ending. The book blurb is below and I hope some of you will take the time to “like” it on the Amazon page. I welcome any feedback.

I’m trying to spread the news about the release and would love you to pass this email along to friends etc. Thanks so much for your support. And a special shout out to Shara my neighbour on Blue Jay for helping to inspire this story by providing my eldest son with his dog walking job - thanks so much, Shara.

Off Leash by Renee Pace

Publishers Weekly calls Off Leash, " A thoroughly engaging read."

When life knocks you flat on your back, and you know you've had enough, try telling that to a dog demanding his walk.

Jay Walker is a fake. He acts full when starved and happy when sad. How else is a guy who has a deadbeat for a mother and a sister battling cancer supposed to feel? And isn’t walking a pet just a chore? Too bad the dog doesn’t know that. The dog lives in the now, embraces life to the fullest and gives his whole heart when offering love.

Off Leash is unique because it showcases issues of poverty that transcend countries, age and color. Alternatively told between the POV of both Jay and the dog, Ollie, it shows the reader how a boy who wants a job to make some quick cash so he can buy food for his cancer-stricken sister struggles with trying to do the right thing in a world that has treated him wrong since birth.

Off Leash has alternative endings. The Hollywood ending details the happily ever after story of Jay’s life after he loses almost everything and has to take on the persona of a new person when he joins the Canadian Witness Protection Plan and discovers since he’s been living a lie for most of his life the role fits him. The nitty gritty ending is grounded in reality and shows how Jay learns to cope in the world as a functioning teen.

Renee Pace (aka Renee Field writing as Renee Pace)
http://www.reneepace.com/
twitter@ReneePaceYA
Off Leash:Hollywood Ending (Nitty Gritty series)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005S4G65Q
Off Leash: Nitty Gritty Ending (Nitty Gritty series)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005S34JO2

HRSB Board Meeting Upcoming

2011-09-28T08:04:00.000-03:00

This message is from our local school board rep:

http://www.davidfinlayson.ca/

September 2011.

Welcome back to school everyone. My first newsletter for this school year. Check the website for a more extensive back to school note.

This Wednesday, Sept 28, is our first full meeting of the Board for this school year. We have a packed agenda. For those with a sleep problem, our meeting will be on haligonia.ca from 6:00 pm until at least 10:00pm judging by the agenda. This is my last year on the board and the Board is working to complete as many outstanding projects/items as possible, including: Capital planning final report with estimated dates for projects; mental health awareness/ education; financial literacy programming becoming part of our curriculum; continued work on bullying prevention; strengthening the voice of parents at the board level; working with the DOE, NSTU and other stakeholders to create a more vibrant and flexible education system; special needs funding; rural school supports, French Immersion planning for the future along with many other items as they arise. This is going to be a busy year and I am going to use each meeting to highlight what I believe are some key issues for education in HRSB. Check out below for more details.

I am looking forward to the challenge and have had at least one interested party approach me regarding my experience on the Board and advice for anyone thinking of participating in the October 2012 election.

Please follow me on twitter: @halifaxdave as I retweet many education articles from around the world. Some current and relevant topics. Feel free to forward and retweet. I also have my ongoing website at http://www.davidfinlayson.ca/ for more information and my views on a range of topics. Please feel free to get in touch via email, david@davidfinlayson.ca.

September Board Meeting Thoughts (full agenda is here)

1) We want your feedback on STORM DAYS. We have data from other boards and people in the education sector. We want the parents VIEW asap. With every cancellation and non-cancellation, we receive phone calls/emails about why we chose to close or not and why we are wrong. It really is a no win situation. The only way to fix this is to change the policy and have 0 storm days except in extreme conditions. Parents can decide whether or not they want their children in school. If we have to shut down buses due to bad weather, it doesn't mean that the rest of the city shuts down. Let's look at ways to keep the schools open. Please email me your thoughts before our October meeting.

2) Boundary reviews in District 7. We will vote to review the District 7 school boundaries for all of the Bedford/ Hammonds Plains schools. This should be very straightforward for the Board as we have the only growing area in the Board.

3) Mental Health issues and awareness. Last year, Dr. Stan Kutcher presented to our Board regarding his new programming that he is testing around the globe. We are lucky to have Stan in our backyard and we will be using even more of his programming for teachers this year.

4) I floated a motion regarding capital/ maintenance planning for the meeting. The burning issue is that the Board does not receive the money it needs to do all the maintenance required on an ongoing basis to keep our schools as good as they can be as far as maintenance. If there was a capital dollar amount per student, the board could plan years in advance as to how to spend money on big and small projects alike. As it is, we need to get DOE approval for most of our big spends (new schools etc).

I would also like to think that the DOE/ Province can be responsible either for school closures and school openings, or neither. While I recognize it is a big political moment for a politician/ government to be associated with new school builds, I also believe they should be there for the tough moments if schools need to close. There is NO reason to separate this responsibility. Further, there may be ways to have communities have more responsibility for their own schools as far as making sure they are successful and the students are successful. This idea can be fleshed out over time.

That is all for this month, but feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone in the area.

See you next month.

Dave

david@davidfinlayson.ca

Invitation for 2-hr Hike Around Trails at Kearney Lake

2011-09-26T09:53:00.001-03:00

On Friday, October 7, 2011 at 1 o'clock (rain date October 14) join The Halifax West Trails Association for a two hour hike featuring the trails at Kearney Lake, a hike with challenging terrain. We will hike the trail to Charlie's Lake Loop, enjoy the Charlie’s Lake Lookoff and climb to Paddler's Ridge with the reward of seeing Charlie's and Kearney Lakes at your feet from the top. At the edge of Paddler's Ridge, Bob McDonald, chair of the Halifax North West Trails Association, will talk about the watershed area Charlie's and Kearney Lake are part of and talk about HRM's promise of a Regional Park. On the way back to the parking lot, we will complete the Popcorn Island Loop that feature the beauty of Kearney Lake and its woodlands.

Kearney Lake is the home of Maskwa Aquatic Club and the lake is in active use about 10 months of the year by Paddlers from the Club. For more information regarding Maskwa Aquatic Club, go to www.maskwa.ca. Hikers often see National and Canadian champions training on Kearney Lake.

In the spring, hikers enjoy the many wildflowers in bloom, lady slippers, mayflowers, trilliums, pitcher plants and native orchids. In the summer many hikers cool off in the waters of either Lake. In the fall the leaves changing color come to life from the top of Paddler's Ridge. In the winter Maskwa’s Loop and Popcorn Island Loop trails continue to be well traveled and hikers enjoy packed snow to hike on.

Please bring water, food ,sturdy foot wear and be prepared for the steep terrain and uneven ground of these trails.

Meet at the parking lot at Maskwa, 91 Saskatoon Drive.

Kindly email me if you plan to attend, Leaannerose@gmail.com.

See you at the trail head.

Maskwa Presents an Afternoon of Music to support athletes

2011-09-21T10:35:00.002-03:00

Maskwa Aquatic Club &

The Carleton Restaurant presents:

An afternoon of music with The Worry Birds

Sunday, October 23 at 1pm

At The Carleton

1685 Argyle Street, Halifax

In support of Maskwa Aquatic Club’s Florida Winter Training Group

Tickets are $20/each/$50 per family

Available by calling The Carleton at 422-6335

www.thecarleton.ca

www.theworrybirds.com

HRM Volunteer Conference

2011-09-20T18:06:00.000-03:00

The HRM Volunteer Conference is an opportunity for volunteers from the diverse communities of HRM to gather to network, train and celebrate together. HRM has been hosting the Conference for over 10 years. Each conference provides a wide selection of interactive & informative sessions, meals & refreshments, experienced speakers, a keynote, networking opportunities and resources for volunteers. This year’s volunteer conference will be:

November 18 & 19 at the Dartmouth Harbourview Holiday Inn

101 Wyse Road, Dartmouth

To register: Call 490-4309 or email hrmvolunteerservices@halifax.ca For more information: www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices

Rockingham Community Park Update

2011-09-16T08:35:00.002-03:00

HI everyone: It’s been a busy summer and this is just an update to keep us all in the loop! Im happy to let you all know we are getting a sun shelter built at the playground in the next month or so hopefully. So if you see some work happening around there, that’s what it’s all about! In an effort to make this a community event, we will be doing a bottle drive to raise money to donate towards the shelter and for this year’s ice rink at the park. I can’t do this alone and I need volunteers to help coordinate the bottle drive pickups. I know there is going to be a lot of sports and other organizations fundraising around this time of year, so even if you have one or two bags to donate it would be appreciated.

I would also like some volunteers to help coordinate a Halloween party for the kids at the Rockingham Community Centre.

If anyone is interested in helping out with either of these events, please contact me asap so we can get the ball rolling!

I would also like to create a board of people to run the association, I can't do this on my own. Anyone interested please let me know so we can hopefully have our first meeting in the next month.

Thanks...I look forward to hearing from you!

Denise

Chair, RRA

denise.teas@hotmail.com

Free Event to Help Athletes Secure Funding at Canada Games Centre

2011-09-15T11:01:00.002-03:00

The 2011-12 Podium Performance Series is about to begin for another year. The fall sessions will focus on helping coaches hone their skills for securing grant and      sponsorship funding for themselves, athletes and athletic programs.

Podium Performance Series sessions will takeplace on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m., as follows:

October 5th, 2011
November 2nd, 2011
December 7th, 2011
January 11th, 2012
February 8th, 2012
March 7th, 2012
April 4th, 2012

A full description of these sessions will be available at the end of the month at http://cscatlantic.ca/ns-podium-sessions/.

The first session of the series will take place on October 5th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Canada Games Centre (across from Lifemark Health Centre).Blaise Landry will facilitate this session on learning how to write high quality grant requests. Specifically, Blaise will focus on strategies for selecting appropriate grants for your needs, strategies for getting all the information that you need before you decide to write a grant request, creating budgets and basic dos and don’ts of grant requests. Blaise will share some completed grants for review   and discussion.

Blaise Landry has been a Sport Consultant with the Province of Nova Scotia for 26+ years. Prior to that,he served as Executive Director for Wrestling Nova Scotia and Softball Nova Scotia. Blaise has a Bachelor of PhysicalEducation and an MA in Leisure Studies from Dalhousie University. He has been involved in grant assessments and reviews for a number of different programs in the province.

To register for this session, please send an RSVP email to daphne@cscatlantic.ca.

Thanks,
Daphne Pellerin
Executive Assistant
Canadian Sport Centre   Atlantic/NCI-Atlantic
26 Thomas Raddall Drive, Suite 166
(Canada Games Centre)
Halifax, NS B3S 0E2
P: 902.425.0942
F: 902.425.5928

Updated Info on Abandoded cat

2011-09-09T15:39:00.001-03:00

Hi everyone:

Found out more info on the abandonded cat:
A person on the street said the cat was left in an apt in Fairview and she knew the people and it's not a year old - been spayed and had all it's shots. I put some flea stuff on it yesterday but it will need a good cleaning. It's a beautiful cat and I'm seriously hoping someone will want it. I can take it to your house as I have a cat carrier.

It's been two days since I've had this stray cat (not fully grown, I think) outside my house and I will totally admit to caving and feeding it yesterday. It's a she and she's very friendly. My kids are begging me to bring it inside but we have two cats already and trust me when I say, adding a third to the mix wouldn't go well. So if anyone has lost a cat please call me at 445-9075 or email me at rbfield@eastlink.ca - or if anyone would like this friendly cat please contact me asap also. I really can't take it in and my kids are very upset that I left it outside last night - I keep telling them it's a cat but since our two cats are housecats, they can't quite grasp the concept.

Diana Whalen's Latest Newsletter

2011-09-09T13:34:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone - I've included Diana Whalen's recent newsletter for all to see. If you would like to be added to her email list please email her directly.

Soon, I'll be sending out information on the Rockingham Community Centre - so look for that information tomorrow.

-Renee Field

In this issue:

Bayers Lake Expansion - Public Meeting

Community Connect on Lyme Disease

Women's Roller Derby

HRM Boundary Review

Article Headline

Dear Renee,

At my 2011 MLA Community BBQ

As September is upon us, I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer filled with family and friends.

In July many people from all over Clayton Park came together for my 8th Annual MLA Community BBQ! It was a busy, fun-filled day. Firefighters from the Knightsridge fire station and HRM police were joined this year by Metro Transit who came to demonstrate the new accessible buses. The children played on the bouncy castle generously donated by CBI Physiotherapy Clayton Park.

A big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who made the event possible!

To see more pictures from the BBQ, please visit my Facebook profile.

Public Meeting to Discuss Bayers Lake Expansion

We are lucky to have the Halifax North West Trails Association helping to promote and safeguard our trails and natural lands.

The HNWTA will be holding a public meeting on September 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Keshen Goodman Library to provide information about the expansion of Bayers Lake Business Park which is expected soon. The 180 acres in question border the Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area and present an opportunity for us to have a safe, public trailhead into Susie's Lake.

Please plan to attend and learn more about this opportunity. The Trails Association has studied the geographical features of the area and have great ideas on how these can best be protected in any future development plans.

Please contact Bruce Smith at besmith@eastlink.ca or (902)209-2010 for more information, or visit the Trails Association website.

Community Connect on Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is on the rise in Nova Scotia. It is a bacterial infection that is spread to humans and pets through black-legged tick bites. The ticks have been reported nearby in the Bedford and Hammonds Plains area which are adjacent to Clayton Park. Bedford-Birch Cove MLA, Kelly Regan has invited an expert on this disease to a public information session on Monday, September 19th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m at the Basinview Drive Community School Cafeteria. This promises to be very informative for everyone.

Women's Roller Derby Team

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Diana at the Halifax Roller Derby Association open house.

I recently had the pleasure of attending an open house for the Halifax Roller Derby Association. This is a new team and a relatively new sport which is growing by leaps and bounds across Canada. The Association is looking for new members and supporters for the sport of flat- track women's roller derby.

After talking to some of the team, I can say that the members are having a lot of fun and getting great exercise at the same time! To learn more about the sport or to join the team, please visit their website.

Live Happy, Be Healthy: a programming series

The Keshen Goodman Public Library is excited to be offering a Fall series of events and programs on the topics of happiness and health. The series will launch on Saturday, October 15th with Happiness in Action, a fun filled day of fitness and laughter for all ages, featuring Laughter Yoga, Hula Hoop Fitness, a Ukulele band and much more.

Additional programs will be offered during the following weeks: The Power of Laughter; Meditation and Mindfulness; The Halifax Happiness Project; Revealing Personal Wisdoms Hidden within Dreams; and Happiness is a Good Story.

All are welcome. For more information please visit the Keshen Goodman Public Library website.

HRM Boundary Review

Following a decision from the NS Utility and Review Board, HRM must reduce the number of Districts and Councillors in HRM to sixteen, plus the Mayor, by the next election in October 2012.

There will be a public information meeting to review proposed changes and receive public feedback on Wednesday, October 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the Canada Games Centre Community Boardroom. (26 Thomas Raddall Drive)

This meeting will be one of the last chances to learn about the options and voice your opinion. You can find more information and complete a survey on the proposed changes at the HRM website.

Contact Information
Phone: (902) 443 8318
Email: whalendc@gov.ns.ca
Website: www.dianawhalen.com

Forward email

This email was sent to rbfield@eastlink.ca by dianawhalen@gmail.com |

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Geoff Regan, MP Talk this Sat at Canada Games Centre

2011-09-08T15:45:00.000-03:00

Geoff Regan, MP to host 100^th Let’s Talk meeting

September 8, 2011 (Halifax)- Geoff Regan, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, will hold his 100^th Let’s Talk public meeting on Saturday, September 10^th at the Canada Games Centre in Halifax.

“I started the Let’s Talk series when I was first elected so that I could sit down with people in their own neighbourhoods to listen to their views and concerns,” said Regan. “The town hall meetings have been a great way for me to learn about the issues people are dealing with in Halifax West and to get feedback on federal government programs and policies.”

Generally, the public meetings involve open discussion so that constituents can raise topics of interest to them and opportunities for individuals to speak to the MP about problems they are having with the federal government. Regan has also hosted discussions about topics like the environment, crime, the economy, health care, veterans’ issues, education and seniors’ issues.

“I look forward to meeting and speaking with many of my constituents at Let’s Talk #100. This event will be a celebration of the work we are doing together as a community to help make Halifax West an even better place to live,” said the Liberal MP.

There will be a barbeque and cake from 12-2 on Saturday.

2011-09-02T08:02:00.001-03:00

Boundary Change for HRM Districts

2011-09-02T07:57:00.001-03:00

Road Construction - Kearney Lake Road

2011-09-01T09:47:00.001-03:00

Road Construction - Kearney Lake Road

On Thursday, September 1 and Friday, September 2 (weather permitting) road construction will take place on Kearney Lake Road from Highway 102 to Castle Hill Drive.

During this time there will be lane drops. Motorists should expect delays and are requested to find alternate routes .

HRM apologizes in advance for any inconvenience these delays may cause.

Public Talk with MP for Halifax West in Sept

2011-08-29T17:44:00.000-03:00

Let’s Talk 100
Please join Geoff Regan for his 100th public meeting as
Member of Parliament for Halifax West.

When: Saturday, September 10th

12:00—2:00 p.m.

Where: Youth Room, Canada Games Centre

26 Thomas Raddall Drive, Clayton Park
Come enjoy a BBQ and cake to celebrate more than a

decade of public engagement.

www.geoffregan.ca

#

HRM Seeks Input into Proposed Changes to Districts

2011-08-25T14:09:00.000-03:00

Dear Residents;

As you may have heard, a recent NS UARB decision to reduce number of districts from 23 to 16 plus mayor has significant implications, one of which is need to redraw existing district boundaries.

That process is currently underway. Staff have prepared two possible scenarios for the proposed 16 district boundaries. These may change, be tweeked, or redrawn based on citizens' input in a varied number of ways!

While our greater community - esp existing District 16 Rockingham Wentworth and District 21 Bedford, has and will continue to experience significant growth for a number of years ahead, under the HRM proposed two scenarios my existing district will see just as significant boundary changes which will be implemented in time for October 2012 municipal election. (the snowball effect from other district boundary changes).

Public input will be in a number of ways.
Also, since the original information link on District Boundary Review proposed 2 scenarios was posted on HRM website www.halifax.ca Additional maps and info have been posted.

It is important to hear from you on the proposed scenarios, fill out the survey and provide any additional comments/feedback. Please feel free to contact me and send me your thoughts and Clerks office
(www.clerks@halifax.ca) on District Boundary Review process and
recommended scenarios.

Please see below links.

Thank you for taking the time to provide input and feedback!

Kindest regards,

Debbie

Debbie Hum
Councillor-District 16
Rockingham-Wentworth

HRM Seeks Input on Proposed Changes to Polling Districts

(Monday, August 22, 2011) - On July 27th 2011, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review board (NSUARB) announced its decision to reduce the number of districts and Councillors from 23 to 16 plus the Mayor for the Municipal election in 2012. The decision requires HRM to submit a recommendation on the proposed boundary changes for review by the Board. HRM would like to hear from the public prior to making its recommendation. As a first step in consultation, an online survey, presenting options for boundary changes and seeking residents feedback is now available on HRMs website at: www.halifax.ca/boundaryreview.

We want to hear from as many residents as possible, says Chief Administrative Officer Richard Butts. The feedback we receive will help us determine appropriate boundaries for 16 polling districts that will provide equitable representation at the Council table.

Final boundary decisions will be made based on public feedback and in keeping with the legislative requirements set out by the NSUARB such as:

The number of voters in each district
That the number of voters in each district is about the same (+ or - 10%)
In certain cases the NSUARB allows for voter variance to be up to 25%
Communities of interest
Whether it is primarily an urban, suburban or rural district
The geographic size of the district.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will be holding public hearings on the proposed district boundaries. The dates for the Utility Board hearings have been set for early November.

For more information on NSUARBs decision or to read the full report, please visit: http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview

HRM offers Free Leadership Training Courses

2011-08-23T08:28:00.000-03:00

Step Up to Leadership Training

HRM Volunteer Services offers a FREE 10 session course which was developed by volunteers for volunteers. The course covers a wide range of topics and is intended to help you develop leadership skills and build strong communities.

The first half of the course explores:

●personality types

●team work

●group dynamics

●diversity

●planning for your passion

The second half of the course provides information on:

●creating a non-profit organization

●Board legalities and practicalities

●effective meetings

●conflict resolution

●public speaking

The program has a full, well rounded agenda to provide the necessary tools and techniques to create effective leadership and community involvement.

Fall Courses 2011

We will be offering Step Up in three locations this Fall:

Halifax

Bloomfield Centre
2786 Agricola St , Halifax
Thursday, Sept 8 to Nov 8
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Fairview

Alive Church
28 Willet St, Fairview
Sept 14 to Nov 16
6:30 pm - 9:00pm

East Dartmouth
East Dartmouth Community Centre
50 Caledonia Rd, Dartmouth
Thursday Sept 15 to Nov 15
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

To register : Call 490-1946 or e-mail us hrmvolunteerservices@halifax.ca !

Bronwyn MacKinnon
Community Developer
Halifax Regional Municipality
Community Development - Community Relations & Cultural Affairs PO Box 1749 Halifax, NS B3J 3A5

Coyote Spotted in Hemlock Ravine

2011-08-22T16:20:00.000-03:00

Last night (Sunday) Aug 22 approx 11:30 pm, a Castle Hill resident reported seeing a coyote wandering around the property of 8 Castle Hill Dr.

The motorist and resident stopped to observe the coyote's activities. The animal appeared very curious, and is approx 25-30 lbs.

The coyote then wandered through the back yard in the direction of Hemlock Ravine Park.

Details of the coyote sighting has been reported by the resident to the NS Dept of Natural Resources.
And this afternoon I spoke with an official at the DNR Waverley District office.

They have not yet confirmed it was a coyote. However there have been other coyote sightings this past year in the Princes Lodge/Hemlock Ravine Park area

For further information on what to do in case of a possible coyote sighting please go to:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/be-coyote-smart.asp

And I also appreciate hearing of any additional possible coyote sightings.

Debbie Hum
Councillor-District 16
Rockingham-Wentworth
Cell: 476 7212

Lots of Information

2011-07-27T08:29:00.000-03:00

This email came to me from our local councillor, Debbie Hum:

July 26, 2011

To: District 16 Undisclosed Recipient Contact List - Residents and Community Groups

From: Debbie Hum, Councillor District 16 (Rockingham -Wentworth)

I am also working on my District 16 newsletter which will be mailed out to each home in my district in late Aug/early September. You can also log on to HRM website and Councillor page at

http://www.halifax.ca/districts/dist16/dist16.html for additional news updates.

And you can join me on Facebook.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer. Be safe!

Best regards,

Debbie

Debbie Hum

Councillor - District 16

Rockingham -Wentworth

cell: 476 7212

humd@halifax.ca

Dear Residents,

As we approach the month of August, I thought it timely to send out an email mid summer update on some issues and things happening in our community and municipality.

Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any questions, concerns or require additional information on any particular issue.

1) NS Utility and Review Board to announce their decision tomorrow (Wed. July 27, 9 A.M. ) on HRM District Boundary Review and # of districts. Log on to www.nsuarb.ca

Copies of HRM District Boundary Review submissions and reports can be found on HRM website: http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview/index.html

2) Case 17002 Rockingham South - the former radio transmitter lands off Dunbrack St and 69 Tremont Dr.

A formal planning application has recently been submitted to HRM Planning Services by W.M. Fares Group on behalf of Sobeys Land Holdings. HRM Planning Services are currently undertaking a high-level review of potential servicing capacity issues related to this application. At this time, staff do not anticipate moving this file forward to a public consultation process until at least Sept 2011.

Please check often for additional information and status updates on HRM Planning Services website link: http://www.halifax.ca/planning/Case17002Details.html

3) Safe Neighborhoods and Community Safety Programs - Summer time often brings on an increase in a number of neighborhood related complaints, including inappropriate and illegal related activity and noise, property vandalism, home and vehicle break-ins, etc. HRM and Halifax Regional Police have great information resources and tips posted on-line how we can make our neighborhoods more safe. http://www.halifax.ca/police/PublicSafety/index.html

Prohibited Activities in HRM Parks:

During summer months we often see an increase in complaints involving youth and young adults in and around public parks and open spaces. The following information link outlines activities and behaviors that are not permitted in any public green spaces including trails, gardens, playgrounds, sportfields, and beach areas. http://www.halifax.ca/police/bylawservices/HRMParks.html

Resident Associations/Neighborhood Watch/City Watch Programs:

Over the last few years, some of our community's more active local residents' associations and neighborhoods have seen a changeover, resident contact information may be outdated, and new residents moving in. One way to reconnect, to meet your neighbors, socialize and help make your neighborhood or street safe and a more welcoming place to live, is to establish resident organizations and implement community safety programs including:

Neighborhood Watch: http://www.halifax.ca/Police/Programs/neighbourhoodwatch.html

http://www.myhrm.ca/ToolKit/HRMNeighbourhoodWatch.php

City Watch: For more information contact me or HRP West Division 490 5200

There's also great information and neighborhood resources available by linking on other HRP

programs and initiatives such as: HRP Public Safety Office: http://www.halifax.ca/police/PublicSafety/index.html

and HRM programs such as:

Good Neighbors Great Neighborhoods:

Find community information, how to volunteer, how to organize a neighbourhood cleanup, how to start a walking group or a community garden, applying for community grants, and much more.

http://www.myhrm.ca/

Please also contact me if you have any questions, would like to get more information,and how to get involved in your neighborhood community.

4) Chebucto Community Council (CCC) normally meets the 1st Monday of each month. This month, due to the Natal Day holiday, CCC meets September 8th, 7 p.m. at Keshen Goodman Library. For monthly agenda, minutes and reports please go to

http://www.halifax.ca/commcoun/ccc/ccc.html

5) HRM On-Line

Live Webcast of Regional Council Public Sessions Regular public sessions of Regional Council are now live-streamed through Vocalocal Media's news site www.haligonia.ca.

Next Regional Council meeting is Tuesday, August 2. Agenda and reports can be found by loggin on to http://www.halifax.ca/council/index.html

Have a great Natal Day weekend!

Debbie

8th Annual MLA Community BBQ

2011-07-19T18:02:00.000-03:00

What: The 8th Annual MLA Community BBQ

Where: Veteran's Corner Park (Corner of Langbrae Drive and Parkland Drive)

When: Sunday July 24th, 4pm-6pm

Free Food & Fun
BBQ Burgers & Hot Dogs
Bouncy Castle
Door Prize Draw

Update on Rockingham Community Centre

2011-06-29T20:58:00.001-03:00

Dear Rockingham Community Centre (RCC) members:

This letter is to update you on the progress made regarding a potential development on the Rockingham Community Centre (RCC) site since our consultation in March of this year. At that time, the RCC Board and Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) wanted interested parties to know of a potential opportunity for a new community space at our location. HRM had advised the RCC Board of a private development proposal that would include community programming space to be managed by the Rockingham Community Association.

In April, HRM Regional Council directed HRM staff to investigate this possibility and the benefits to the community. This investigation and negotiations between HRM and the developer have been ongoing, but no final decision has been made. If the proposed new development were to proceed, it would require temporary relocation of RCC programs during the planning and construction phases. This has created some uncertainty for the facility’s users.

Recently, HRM and the RCC Board mutually agreed that there is not enough time to proceed with the proposed development for the 2011-12 school year. As such, HRM has committed the existing building to the RCC Board and its users until June 2012 so that programs will operate as normal for rental groups and the PAR program for September 2011 through June 2012. The new RCC facility manager has a full slate of summer programs planned and will now be able to work on developing a full plan for fall and winter 2011-12. For bookings and program registration, contact Anton Berry at 490-4686.

HRM and the RCC Board will continue to work on the possibility of revitalization to the RCC but we are happy to end the uncertainty around programming for the coming year.

The RCC Board will continue to receive updates and recommendations from HRM staff on the progress of negotiations and plans for the future. They will continue to share updates with the RCC customers as they are received.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Sincerely,

Judy Schoen Doug Branscombe

Board Chair Halifax Regional Municipality

(902) 453-1732 Recreation Area Co-ordinator

schoen@eastlink.ca Mainland North / Western Communities

902-876-4365 (W)

902-476-2168 (C)

branscd@halifax.ca

Free Community Movie Night - Thursday, June 30

2011-06-28T13:34:00.000-03:00

Celebrate the last day of school Free Community Movie Night

Place: DJ Butler Park (tennis court)

When: Thursday, June 30

Time: Starting around 8pm

Move: The Pink Panther

Cost: Free

Bring: Your own chair/blanket

Snacks: Provided by Alison Petten (candy bags, drinks) all in support of helping bring the boy from Belarus to Canada for the summer.

Special thanks to Kerri and Brad Selig for the use of the projector and screen

Graffiti on DJ Butler Park and Summer Camp

2011-06-27T07:57:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone - On Friday night the playground at DJ Butler Park got tagged a lot with graffiti. It looked terrible. The neighbours along Flamingo Drive said they heard a bunch of kids in the park late at night but thought since they were making so much noise they weren't up to no-good. We can't say for sure it was these kids (teens) but waking up Saturday to the playground tagged was not a good thing. Special thanks to the people who helped clean it up.

Other info for this week:
Sunship Earth is a wonderful summer camp for 10-12 year olds, run by Halifax Recreation's Adventure Earth Centre, at Camp Mockingee near Windsor. It includes lots of fun activities such as swimming, canoeing and campfires, with a focus on outdoor education and the environment.

There are two week-long camps this summer, July 16-21 or July 24-29.

More information is available on their web site: http://www.earthed.ns.ca/sunship/

WM Fares Group Applies for Development on old CHNS land off Dunbrack St

2011-06-22T22:10:00.000-03:00

So it’s official, the land known as the old CHNS radio property will be developed. WM Fares Group has formally applied to HRM development. Tonight a group of citizens who have been working with WM Fares Group to address neighbourhood concerns got a sneak peek of the proposed development. Off the top, I will say I’m both impressed and disappointed. I’m impressed that they agreed to add a connecting road from the development to Farnham Gate Road. This was not in the original plans and has since been added – and yes, it will cut a slither of wetland off – but it will ease traffic onto Dunbrack Street where it rightly belongs.

Not so impressed with the density of people per square unit. I get what they are trying to do and can even agree that the trade-offs of a more “Bishop’s Landing” centric development with Hydrostone-styled streetscapes, showcasing townhouses with parking at the back will add more curb appeal. It will potentially make this area a higher-end development, but my concern is weighted with the loss of single-family dwellings. The original plan unveiled in June 2010 to the public showed 36 people per square unit (ppsu), but then the city asked them to conform to the 22 ppsu and somehow we have ended up with 39 ppsu. The engineer also explained that the 22 ppsu the city wants is based on a 30 year-old Mainland North Servicing Strategy and while it might be dated (and yes it probably is) jumping from 36 to 39 – okay, I’m still shaking my head at that.

My concern with the loss of single family dwellings (SFD) - originally 116 SFD and now we are down to 69 - with 77 town houses in the original plan up to now 124 – is that it will change the demographics of the surrounding area and affect our schools. If you think that’s not the case look to Bedford South, and Grosvenor Elementary School – both elementary schools are dealing with more transient families with little or no ties to the community.

To compare and break this down for everyone below is a table of the proposed old plan and new plan on the 63 acres. These are my notes and could be wrong so (no quoting me!!! )

Old
116 SFD
77 TH
4 MUR (8-11 storeys)
5 MUR (close to Knightsbridge)
3 Mixed use - 3-7 storeys
2 wetlands (with walking paths)
New
69 SFD
124 TH
4 MURS (7 storeys) – 60 units in each MUR
A1-A9 –mixed uses: residential/town houses with commercial at ground level
3 neighbourhood commercial storeys (maybe only 2) by Dunbrack for commercial use
2 wetlands (walking paths)
community/recreational centre - or open plaza area

Additional adds on include:
Tremont Park would include 126 parking spaces access from main artery into the new subdivision which would alleviate parking stress on Trailwood and Amberwood.

A community recreational building – potentially located close to Tremont Park – I like this because I see a direct benefit to the schools in the area and better usage of park facilities and public washrooms would hopefully be built into this building.

Areas of concern:
Talk of an emergency entrance (potentially gated) at the top of Tremont Drive. The new plan calls for 7 single family houses (great view by the way) but I am very concerned about the potential for traffic and usage on this emergency road. Have to wait to hear what HRM thinks of that but anyone dropping or picking up children at Ecole Rockingham Elementary School already knows what a nightmare that street is.

Potential for more traffic short-cutting from the new subdivision using Wentworth Street. I did raise this and got the impression they would be willing to wait and see how things work out and aren’t opposed to creating traffic calming measures but ideally, I think before this becomes an issue, plain and simple – don’t let it. Either create a left turn only like how they have with Sheffield or block it off.

Lots of traffic numbers were given and really traffic affects everyone so I’m not going to whine about not in my backyard. I have a hard enough time in the morning getting out from Nightingale Drive to Flamingo (currently there are close to 500 cars going down Flamingo to Bedford Highway during peak morning times) so I can just imagine in 5 years once this development fills with people how much that number will jump. Truthfully, I don’t think WM Fares Group can do a lot about that.

So, what’s happening with that other piece of land from Dunbrack to Wentworth you might ask? An agreement has been worked out with WM Fares Group, but the second developer is keeping his mouth shut. I’d love to know what he’s planning. Currently zoned R-2, he would need to apply to the city for any new re-zoning so that’s something to look out for.

I did ask if there was a Plan B if the city says no to this and left the meeting feeling a knot of dread because there is no Plan B. Hope that really isn’t the case, because I think wiggle room on the ppsu issue might be good.

Wrapping things up because it’s a late night for me and dishwasher hasn't been emptied and 4 lunches still not made (ugh). I think this development shows lots of great potential. They added the connector road from Farnham Gate Road, are working to create a better park for the community, and they are thinking out of the box with the Hydrostone-styled townhouses so I’m applauding all of that. I love the walking connector paths in this design, and the fact they’ve added the mix of commercial and residential will make this more of a self-sustaining community. Something will be put on that acreage and I applaud the fact that WM Fares Group is working with the community to address their concerns. Open lines of communication are essential and yes the design is not going to please everyone, sadly that’s how the world works, but these trade-offs for the higher end scale of development will benefit the community more so than how that area currently looks. And, in closing I’m sure I’ve missed lots but a public meeting will be held once they hear back from the city so we will all get to see things.

Road Construction & Free Summer Camp focus on Business

2011-06-22T15:49:00.000-03:00

Ah the sounds of summer - lol
Road Construction -Bedford Highway

June 21, 2011 - On Wednesday, June 22, 2011 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm (weather permitting), road construction will take place on Bedford Highway from Bayview to the Joseph Howe Ramp.

During this time there will be lane drops. Motorists should expect delays and are requested to find alternate routes .

HRM apologizes in advance for any inconvenience these delays may cause.

SUMMER ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAMP WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

COME JOIN US FOR A WEEK PACKED OF FUN!

What: Business Is Jammin’ (BIJ) is offering a Break into Business camp for youth,

broken down into two separate weeks and two separate age groups during the

summer months. Campers will get to run their own Business For A Day

When: July 4th – 8th, 2011 ages 8-11, time: 9 am – 4 pm

July 18th – 22nd, 2011 ages 12-15, time: 9 am – 4 pm

FREE OF CHARGE!

Where: Bloomfield Centre, 2786 Agricola St. Halifax

Snacks will be provided

For more information and registration contact Leah Jones at

4267181 or by email at jones.leah@bbi.ns.ca

HRM Police Series - And no more egging!

2011-06-16T07:39:00.000-03:00

I think these HRM Police series make for good timing because honestly if my house gets egged one more time I'm going to scream and I know I'm not the only house in the area. For the past few Friday nights houses in the Nightingale, Bobolink area have been egged and we are not putting up with it. Eyes and ears are now open and we will ask the police to increase patrols.

Reminder - Halifax Regional Police Presents Crime Prevention Series

Halifax Regional Police would like to remind citizens about the second of three crime prevention sessions taking place tonight.

The series will provide simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being a victim of crime. They will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Canada Games Centre, Board Room 186, 26 Thomas Raddall Drive, Halifax. The dates of each session and the related topics are as follows:

June 15 - Session 2 - Scam Savvy and Cyber Safety

● The latest fraud and identity theft scams

● Internet safety and cyber bullying

June 22 - Session 3 - Addressing Neighbourhood Nuisances

● Timely traffic tips

● Common By-Law issues

● HRM Good Neighbours /Great Neighbourhoods initiative

The sessions are free and you can attend one or as many as you like. Space is limited so citizens are encouraged to register but it is not mandatory. To register, call 490-5200 or send an email to HRMPublicSafety@halifax.ca indicating which session(s) you plan to attend and the number of people who will be attending.

-30-

For further information contact:

Cst Brian Palmeter

Halifax Regional Police

Public Information Officer

(902) 490-5154

palmetb@halifax.ca

www.facebook.com/HalifaxRegionalPolice

www.twitter.com/HfxRegPolice

Grosvenor Wentworth Teacher Finalist for Governor General Award

2011-06-15T12:58:00.000-03:00

Congratulations to our Rockingham neighbour Andrew Stickings, who has been teaching at Grosvenor Wentworth Elmentary School for years on his recent nomination as a finalist for the Governor General’s award for excellence in teaching Canadian history.

Way to go Andrew.
Now see what a great teacher can do!

To read more about the article please click on the link.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1248618.html

HRSB update on Rockingham School

2011-06-09T17:25:00.000-03:00

The HRSB held a meeting last night and I am happy to report that the parents of Ecole Rockingham Elementary School received this letter a few minutes ago in response to our concerns. My comment is below but let me express again that we as the concerned parents should never have been placed in this position to begin with.

Jane Gourley has voluntary withdrawn herself from the position of principal at École Rockingham School. She made this decision because of the negative attention surrounding her appointment and the possibility that this negativity could impact on the students of the school. She recognizes the focus must be on supporting students in their learning and she does not want her appointment to distract from this purpose. Ms. Gourley applied for the position because she believes that École Rockingham School is a great school and she had been looking forward to building on the school’s rich history. She wishes the school continued success.

Regards,

Carole Olsen
Superintendent of Schools
Halifax Regional School Board
(902) 464-2000 Ext 2312

Thank you very much for the quick reply. I am sadden that we as concerned parents were forced to go this route. This was never meant to be an issue of “her” and “us” rather an issue of due process and fairness. Any other institution would remove a person going through an internal investigation until the matter has been concluded. Dare I conclude the internal investigation is ongoing or has that been swept under the rug? HRSB obviously needs to look at its internal policies or maybe the time has come for a third unbiased party to help the HRSB review matters. Again, I do appreciate the timely response.

Sincerely,

Renee Field

Concerned Parent Ecole Rockingham Elementary School

Pattison Piano Studio - Students Make a Difference

2011-06-09T08:21:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:
A few good news items:
1. This Saturday is Grosvenor-Wentworth Fun Fair and Park West School's Fun Fair
2. MSVU day care is holding their annual yard sale starting at 9am
3. Maskwa Aquatic Club is holding it's Wine Tasting Fundraiser starting at 7pm - tickets are $30/each. They area also launching their new War Canoe at 6:30pm come down and support them.

Kids Making Music and Making a Difference - way to go Lisa!

Piano students at the Pattison Piano Studio have shown that they are making the world a better place through their music, and also working to help those in need.

In May, the Studio held their first ever Practice–a-thon organized by their teacher, Lisa Pattison, in aid of the Canadian Red Cross, Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami disaster relief. Together, though donations from family and friends in the community, 18 students enthusiastically raised $1109 and spent over 80 hours practicing!

A celebratory Ice Cream Social was held to honour the hard work and charity of the students. A Chapter’s gift card, donated by Chapters Bayers Lake was awarded to Julia McIsaac for being the largest contributor, raising $270. Awesome work Julia! Austeja Galinyte tallied 14 hours of practice during practice week. Wow! Many thanks to all who helped contribute to this worthy cause.

Lisa Pattison’s piano studio is located in Cresthaven Estates and can be found at www.pattisonpiano.com.

======
Lisa Pattison
http://www.pattisonpiano.com/
431-7564

Updated HRSB response from our School Rep

2011-06-08T15:31:00.000-03:00

This is the new response from our HRSB representative and I feel at this point I won't be posting anything new on this until HRSB has their meeting tonight and we get a formal response. One thing stands out to me in Dave's letter is that obviously union regulations and labour law policies at HRSB need to be addressed and here I will stress we've been careful to stick to the known facts.

Renee

The staff at HRSB has been working on this since April so I don't know where your one year number is coming from? Staff was not going to let this go and neither was I, but this process needs to be followed both by union regulations and through labour law. I understand your need for expediency and I wish we could get a faster answer but this is where we are right now. I mentioned in speaking with Alyson yesterday that I agree on placing someone under investigation into a new place, in my opinion is wrong, but right now that is how the policies are written up.

As for silencing the community, I am not asking you to be quiet by any stretch, I merely requested that you keep to the known facts. That is an investigation is underway for harassment, not for bullying. The intent of my email was merely to let people in the community know where it stood from my perspective and if you disagree, that is fine, but the whole story needs to be told. There is no chastisement in my email, merely a recommendation that we stick to the known facts.

As I said, if these allegations are proven then I will work hard to ensure this situation is rectified. All I am asking is for the proper amount of time to complete this task. I do appreciate the time and effort people have put in on this and everyone at the Board understands the importance of the charges and the desires of the community.

Regards
Dave

HRSB Asks us "Concerned Parents" to give them time!

2011-06-08T08:18:00.000-03:00

Okay, since the HRSB asked me to forward this letter to other parents I thought it might be best for me post this to the blog. Please understand we are not out as "concerned parents" to vilify the new princpal that HRSB has appointed to our school rather we are questioning how the said appointment could ever happen to begin with. We as concerned parents are taking lots of nasty emails from the general public and again, let me stress this issue is not a "her" and "us" issue. It is one based solely on HRSB's policies that would allow this to ever reach this stage. Please read the letter and my response below.

Dear Alysona and Renee

Please forward to parents...

Dear SAC and concerned parents,
As your school board representative, I would like you to know that we take any allegations against our staff very seriously. I know that the Superintendant and Senior Staff will be reaching out to the school community soon. I want to note that the level of commitment from your parents to ensuring a safe and vibrant school community is commendable. As your representative, I have taken your emails and calls and am very aware of the situation which the Board has been investigating since April when it was raised. Board members are not a part of these investigations so I am not privvy to the contents of interviews and discussions in these meetings. If these allegations are proven, then I can assure you that I will strongly support the wishes of your school community at the Board level.

The employee in question must be given due process in our system ( and at any workplace in Canada) and the barrage of media and publicity is going to make it very difficult on staff at any school to work with the employee, regardless of the outcome of the investigation. Much of the items online and during interviews are based on conjecture and second hand stories. I am not saying these are necessarily wrong (I don't know), but please remember that HRSB as an employer needs to confirm any incidents and be fair to staff and administration. Where elected Board members can help is in reshaping HR policy and union regulations that allows for placement of employees during an investigation and ensuring our schools are safe and provide room for growth and development. We are meeting tomorrow after our budget discussion and all Board members have been informed and are willing to stand up and help.

I would ask you respectfully to give us time to work through this complicated issue. Your elected Board members will not support staff that does not follow the rules and expectations laid out for them on harassment. I know that senior staff and HR are working to ensure that our priority, the students, are safe and learning in their school, while giving teachers room to flourish in their work environment.

We will report back soon.

Sincerely,
David Finlayson

David Finlayson
Helly Hansen Canada
District 7 School Board Representative
http://www.davidfinlayson.ca/

Dear Mr. Finlayson:

I have been sitting here trying to figure out how best to respond to your comments and have concluded how dare you. We are in this position because of HRSB – plain and simple someone dropped the ball on this one. What other position would you have a group of concerned parents express? We discussed at length how to deal with this – we sent letters to you, to HRSB on behalf of SAC and we received the standard response, “an investigation is underway”. That did not address the issue and honestly, I firmly believe, HRSB thought we’d let this go. After all the announcement of the new principal (I do not care what her name is nor did we wish to make this us against her as an issue)- let me stress all we care about is the process – anyone undergoing an internal HRSB investigation for harassment who has been removed from said principal position should not be allowed to be appointed to a new principal position until the matter is resolved, whatever that outcome is.

HRSB has to take responsibility for this issue. HRSB made the appointment. HRBS removed said person. HRSB is doing the internal investigation. Yet, HRSB felt it was within its rights to appoint this person to the same type of administrative role even though the matter is currently being investigated. I feel like I could type the word ‘investigation’ over and over. No other business, organization or institution would this be allowed to happen.

Oh, and let me take a quick minute to discuss the matter of timing as you ask us to give you time. Come on. This has been a year-long process. HRSB had amble time to figure out how best to appointment someone as our new principal. Timing is tight and if you think for one minute us being quiet would resolve this issue, we know that wouldn’t have happened and our school would have had this principal in September. We can’t give you time. We want this matter resolved now so we can figure out how best to move forward for September.

So, again, how dare you chastise us, the concerned parents on this matter. All we are trying to do is ensure the best educational outcome for our students, which means all the students at Ecole Rockingham Elementary School. That is the role of a good parent!

We look forward to hearing the outcome of HRSB’s meeting tonight and sincerely hope a review of policy on appointments of this nature is seriously examined.

Sincerely,
Renee Field
Parent, Ecole Rockingham Elementary School

Bullying okay for HRSB staff - not okay for Ecole Rockingham School parents

2011-06-06T07:30:00.000-03:00

Dear Parents of École Rockingham School,

We are writing to inform you of some concerns which have come to light regarding the appointment of the new Principal of École Rockingham School for the 2011/2012 school year.

It has come to our attention that there may currently be an internal investigation being conducted by the HRSB for allegations of bullying and harassment brought forward by members of the staff of the school where our incoming Principal has, until recently, been the Administrator. Although this individual has not been found guilty of any wrong doing, parent members of our School Advisory Council (SAC) feel that if these allegations are found to be true, they must be taken very seriously, and could be indicative of an administrative style that is not suitable for a school environment. Furthermore, our SAC believes that the HRSB is wrong to appoint an individual to an administrative position in any school, while that individual is under an investigation for allegations of bullying and harassment at their previous school.

Poor leadership in the Principal’s office can drastically affect the morale of school staff, which in turn will taint the work place atmosphere in the school, leading to a vastly diminished educational experience for students. In addition, it is difficult to keep dedicated staff, and attract top-notch teachers to our school, if the administrative style of the Principal is in question. Finally, what kind of example would we be setting for our children if we expect them to refrain from bullying behaviors at school, while overlooking issues of bullying and harassment in the school office or staff room?

Unfortunately, our SAC members are powerless to reject Principal appointments. Instead, they are limited to advising the HRSB on the qualities of a Principal which they believe are essential to cultivate the continued educational success of the staff and students of École Rockingham School. They are currently working through all available proper channels to communicate to the HRSB and government officials their concerns over the selection of our new Principal.

It is for this reason, and because of the seriousness of the possible allegations, that we are taking this step of informing you of these concerns and asking for your support. Please take a stand on this issue now by emailing your School Board Member, David Finlayson (dfinlayson@hrsb.ns.ca), the Supervisor for School Administration, Pam Nicholson-Comeau (pcomeau@hrsb.ns.ca), and the Superintendant for the HRSB, Carole Olsen (colsen@hrsb.ns.ca) the following message of concern:

As a parent of a student at École Rockingham School, I firmly believe that it is unacceptable for the HRSB to appoint an individual to an administrative position in any school, if that individual is under an investigation for allegations of bullying and harassment. It is imperative that all such allegations be completely and satisfactorily resolved before any appointment is finalized.

Please act now to protect our vibrant school community, maintain the positive morale of our dedicated staff, and insure that the warm learning environment of our children is not compromised in any way.

Sincerely,

Alison Delory (aldelory@eastlink.ca)

Barb Ferguson (almododi@ns.sympatico.ca)

Renee Field (rbfield@eastlink.ca)

Valerie Hayes (hayeselliott@bellaliant.net)

Suzanne Morrison (suzanne@familyexpo.ca)

Regan appointed Liberal Critic for Industry and Consumer Affairs

2011-06-01T16:01:00.001-03:00

June 1, 2011 (Ottawa) – Geoff Regan, Member of Parliament for Halifax West was appointed Wednesday as the Liberal Critic for Industry and Consumer Affairs.

Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae announced his new team on Wednesday and noted the talent and experience he had to draw on.

Mr. Regan’s new critic portfolio will put him at the heart of a number of key issues in the 41st Parliament and his responsibilities reflect his experience in the House and his record of standing up for Canadian consumers and promoting Canadian businesses.

“I’m pleased our leader has given me these important responsibilities,” Regan said. “These portfolios will touch on issues that are crucial to my constituents in Halifax West and to all Canadian consumers.

“I look forward to holding the Harper government to account on a number of significant files.”

Mr. Regan has held several central critic roles, including Human Resources and Skills Development, Public Works and Government Services and Natural Resources.

Public Meeting on Education - think cuts here people!

2011-05-31T22:09:00.001-03:00

Hi everyone:
This is a message from our MLA Diana Whalen:

To: Rockingham Residents

From: MLA Diana Whalen

Re: Upcoming Public Meeting on Threats to P-12 Education Funding

On Tuesday June 7th I am hosting an MLA Town Hall meeting to discuss threats to education in Nova Scotia. The meeting is at the Keshen Goodman Library beginning at 7:00 p.m. Previous meetings have been well attended so I encourage you to come early.

Education matters to all of us as it is the key to our future prosperity. The meeting will highlight the state of education today, the pressures on the classroom and the current budget cuts that are threatening great programs like reading recovery. I am concerned that cuts will reduce the number of teachers and teacher assistants in the classroom. This will make it even more difficult for students to reach their potential.

I will be joined by Alexis Allen, Nova Scotia Teachers Union president, and Karen Casey, Liberal Education Critic. Karen has had a career as a teacher and administrator and is a former Minister of Education. My two guests will present on the challenges and opportunities facing the education system.

The evening allows time for questions from the audience and discussions. Public meetings are a great way for me to share information about important issues and to hear your opinions and concerns. Please visit www.dianawhalen.com for more information, or email dianawhalen@gmail.com

I hope to see many Rockingham residents there!

Carwash/BBQ in support of Halifax Dunbrack U10 Girls Soccer Team

2011-05-30T18:04:00.001-03:00

Carwash and BBQ in support of the Halifax Dunbrack U10 Academy Girls Soccer Team

Where: Wilson’s Gas Stop, Rockingham Ridge Plaza, 30 Farnham Gate Road

When: Saturday, June 4 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Details: Carwash is by donation. Hotdogs, drinks, and soccer cupcakes will be available for purchase.

Funds raised are in support of our trip to the Eastern Eagles Tournament in Montague, PEI in August.

Please note that this event is weather permitting!

Maskwa's Dragon Boat - for everyone

2011-05-24T09:43:00.000-03:00

There are three things I wanted to draw people's attention to:

1. Ecole Rockingham Elementary School is hosting it's annual Spring Fair this coming Saturday, May 28 starting at 10am. We are having a silent auction as part of this which will take place inside the gym. We are in need of silent auction items. Please drop off items to the school or call me at 445-9075 if you can make a donation or email me at rbfield@eastlink.ca. I'm hoping we can do something a bit different this year - for $10 you can purchase a balloon to pop and get a gift certificate valued for at least $15/$20. It's double your money and all in support of a great cause. I am in serious need of donations though.

2. Maskwa Aquatic Club is hosting a Wine Fundraiser on Saturday, June 11 from 7-9pm. Tickets are $30/per person. This event will help raise money for the non-profit club. Harvest Wines will be providing the wine sampling and the club is selling wine packages. Please email me at manager.maskwa@gmail.com for tickets and wine kit prices.

3. Maskwa Aquatic Club is launching a Dragon Boat program for both members and non-members. It's a great way to experience the club for a small fee.Chris Haley a Maskwa coach for a number of years and current paddling athlete has taken this on. Please read his note below.

Last year we saw very little use of our Dragon Boat. This new program will provide paddlers of all levels the opportunity to participate in a fun activity that incorporates physical fitness in a social gathering type atmosphere. Paddlers young or old, members or non-members, competitive or recreational are all welcome to enjoy this Maskwa Dragon Boat program. The program will run for 10 weeks commencing on Wednesday June 15^th at 7pm. We are planning now to run 2 sessions a week (Wednesdays 7-8pm and Sundays 10-11 am) based upon the interest in this program. We are charging $7 per individual session or $50 for 10 sessions.

Maskwa will also be participating in the Manulife Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday July 9^th this year. We have a team registered but we still need paddlers for the boat and to help get donations. It costs $1,250 to register a boat and we would like to raise approximately $175/paddler (20 paddlers). This is a great fundraiser for Maskwa as up to 75% of what is raised will be reimbursed back into the club. Tax receipts are issued for any donations over $20. . This is a great opportunity for Maskwa to raise some money as it is the only tax receipted event this year! Contact me or Renee Field at manager.maskwa@gmail.com for more information.

Dragon Boating is an excellent way to stay in shape, meet some new people, and have fun! If you are interested in participating in this program it would be greatly appreciated if you could reply to this email expressing your interest. If there is sufficient interest in other days or times, we may be able to accommodate additional sessions. Please let us know if the Wednesday/Sunday combination does not work for you and when you would like to participate. If you have any questions in regards to the program do not hesitate to contact me at maskwadragonboat@landmark.ca or 835-3592 (h)

Thanks and see you on the water!

Chris Haley, Manager

Maskwa Dragon Boat

A few events taking place tomorrow - BCBC Preschool

2011-05-13T14:21:00.000-03:00

Hi all:
A reminder that the RRA yard sale is taking place tomorrow starting bright and early -8am.
Also Maskwa Aquatic Club is hosting it's Open House at the club, 91 Saskatoon Drive from 9am-2pm. You can register before hand to speed up the process but please bring your application with you. Cash or cheque only for registering.

Also, this notice about the BCBC (Birch Cove Baptist Church) Preschool came my way.

Welcome to BCBC Preschool!

We offer a morning program for children from 2½ to 5 years old where we encourage them to learn and play in a safe and loving environment. Choose from the 2, 3, or 5 day program.

Activities designed to assist early literacy and fine motor development, mathematical awareness, dramatic play, and sensory awareness include:

Sand and water tables, Playdough, Arts and Crafts, Pre-reading activities, Music and Songs, Gym Time, and Free Play.

The focus is on problem solving, reasoning and numeracy, creative development, spatial awareness and geometric understanding, all while having fun and learning to interact with others in a positive and cooperative manner.

Nutritious Snacks included – sample menus posted on-site!

BCBC Preschool is fully licensed by the NS Department of Community Services.

Birch Cove Baptist Church’s Mission

Lifting up the Lord in worship

Loving our neighbours as ourselves

Leading people to Jesus Christ

Learning and teaching God's Word

Hours of Operation:

8 am – 12 pm

BCBC Preschool director, Tia Forsythe, is a certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE) and has been providing childcare for 20 years! She has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and a BA in Psychology.

The cost is less than $15 per day!

Monthly Rates

2 days (Tues, Thurs): $120

3 days (Mon, Wed, Fri): $180

5 days (Mon to Fri): $300

To register or arrange for a visit, please contact our director, Tia Forsythe at 446-3602 or

preschool@birchcovechurch.com

Seven Volunteers in our Area Honoured

2011-05-12T09:42:00.000-03:00

(back l-r) Kelly Regan, MLA Bedford-Birch Cove, Tareq Yousef, Geoff Regan, MP Halifax West, HRM Mayor Peter Kelly. Front (l-r): HRM Councillor Debbie Hum, Sam Nielsen, Brent MacDonald, David Wilson, Suzanne Morrison, Diana Whalen, MLA Halifax Clayton Park.

The 8th Annual Community Champions Recognition Dinner was held last Thursday night at Maskwa Aquatic Club to honour seven volunteers who go well beyond donating their time to better our community.

It was a night that shined the spotlight on the young and old; a nice mix showcasing how teens and seniors donate their time to benefit the Mainland North community.

HRM Mayor Peter Kelly with David Wilson and Starr Dobson

Honoured recipients included Brent MacDonald, 95, who still actively volunteers at the IWK Hospital. Dr. David Wilson whose love for music encouraged him to help found Kiwanis Halifax, and who continues today even though he’s retired to sit on the Kiwanis board, plus organize St. James Anglican’s Church’s orchestra. Katie O’Connell, Michael Kabalen, Samantha (Sam) Nielsen, Suzanne Morrison and Tareq Yousef also received awards.

Michael Kabalen with Starr Dobson

Michael Kabalen is so active as a volunteer he actually could only stay for about thirty minutes, enough time to snag a picture with our MC of the night, Starr Dobson, CTV, Co-Host-Live at 5.

This is the second year Starr has been the MC for this event and she adds that spark to the night for the recipients. Plus, as a member of Rockingham, Starr is well aware of just how much time volunteers put into making our area a wonderful place to live.

Suzanne Morrison, Ecole Rockingham’s Elementary School’s PSA Chair for at least three years is stepping down this year. Morrison better known as a founder of the annual favourite Family Expo held in May at Exhibition Park has worked tirelessly to ensure the children of Rockingham have fond memories of being in school. She has organized pancake breakfasts, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at the school, book fairs and the annual Spring Fun Fair. Sam Nielsen, a graduate of Ecole Rockingham Elementary School is very active in sports but she manages to combine her pastime with her goals to better the world. She has helped raise money for the Food Bank and even recruited the girls on her soccer team to get involved with volunteerism.

MP Halifax West Geoff Regan with Brent MacDonald.

It is here I would like to talk a bit about the Mainland North Volunteer Committee. Eight years ago Diana Whalen, MLA for the area was an HRM Councillor who realized that our burgeoning area deserved to give recognition to the volunteers who go out of their way to add value to our neighbourhoods. Whalen with the help of Wadih M. Fares and a number of local councillors formed the volunteer committee to identify volunteers in our area.

To this day the committee continues to strive to honour volunteers. As a committee member I would like to stress that we don’t work in a vacuum. Each member tries to touch base with local organizations, church groups, local schools and senior groups. There is a lot of behind the work taking place to make this event happen on a shoe-string budget. A special thanks has to go out to Co-chairs Audrey Hunt and Michele Vyge-Fraser, who worked tirelessly to solicit funds for this event as well as encourage groups to nominate people. There is also one person who always goes well beyond her job to make this event a reality and it’s here I would like to extend a special thanks to Tanya Verge, who takes the minutes, helps solicit funds, and honestly I don’t know what I would do without her wonderful to-do-lists. Thanks so much Tanya for all your extra help.

And, here is where I introduce myself. I am taking over as Chair for this committee (don’t forget Audrey and Michele said they’d help me) and I’m looking forward to continuing to honour volunteers in our area.

Volunteers are key to a continued safe, inviting community and they really are the backbone of Mainland North. Again, a special thanks to all the award recipients.

AGM Rockingham Community Centre - Monday, May 9

2011-05-06T16:37:00.001-03:00

Please attend The Annual General Meeting of the Rockingham Community Centre if you wish to continue to have a Community Centre!

Meeting is at 6:30 on Monday May 9

The Rockingham Community Centre is a non-profit organization. The Centre is in need of volunteers to keep it operating to continue to serve the people in the Rockingham area. A small handful of volunteers have been working tirelessly to keep the Centre open. If new volunteers do not come forward to assist with the Centre, then the Centre will not remain open.

As a non-profit society, the Rockingham Community Centre requires a minimum of 5 directors to create a volunteer Board. At the Annual General meeting at 6:30 pm on Monday, May 9, 2011, we will be seeking additional Board members to keep the Rockingham Community Centre open and operational.

The positions that need to be filled are:

Chairperson

Vice- Chairperson

Fundraising Committee members

Program and Services members

Facility Management and Operations member

The Centre provides education, information, recreation, and opportunities to promote interaction with each other and enables individuals to improve their physical, mental, and social well being. It also promotes the use of the Centre as an activity and information focal point for seniors, youth, and all ages, of the Rockingham area.

Please call 443-8137 to keep our Rockingham Community Centre open!

Quinpool Road - Raising Funds to support Graffiti Removal

2011-05-03T15:17:00.000-03:00

Quinpool's Monte Carlo Night takes place Friday May 27th at the Atlantica Hotel Halifax from 7 to 11 pm. Cost is $20.00 with all proceeds going to graffiti removal on Quinpool Road. Cost includes $5000 worth of play money Hors d'Oeuvres, Silent Auction, and $5.00 Martinis.

Black Jack dealer volunteers, do not pay the entrance free and receive free drinks.

I went to this last year and it was a lot of fun. It's a great way to support a cause, while having a good night out with friends, and support a very worthwhile cause. Graffiti makes a place look run down, not safe and can entice illegal activities.

That being said someone recently informed me that there was graffiti inside the playground structure at D.J. Butler Park - must get that removed!

RRA Community Yard Sale

2011-04-30T19:45:00.001-03:00

Mark your calendars!

Rockingham Community Yard Sale

Saturday May 14th 8-11

rain date Sunday May 15th 8-11

Andrew Stickings Wins Big again

2011-04-26T16:15:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:
Two things taking place or in the works in the area. First off Ecole Rockingham Elementary School is gearing up for its Fun Fair at the end of May and I'm looking for silent auction items for the silent auction table. Please email me at rbfield@eastlink.ca if you can donate something/anything - that's my plea.

Also I wanted to send out a major congrats to Andrew Stickings who has once again managed to win big for his students at Ecole Grosvenor Elementary School. Way to go Andrew. Check out this for more information:

http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Canada/NS/1305553631/ID=1895133030

Political Issues in the Area & Maskwa Aquatic Club Registration Starts Today

2011-04-13T11:44:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:
I am getting a few emails from local politicians vying for exposure on the community blog. I'm trying to keep the blog neutral but if people want me to post things I will keep it open for all political parties. That being said I was totally bored to tears last night watching the federal (insert major yawn here) debate. And then I watched CBC National and totally fell asleep! Wondering if there is going to be a local political debate? Maybe, just maybe, that will be more enlightening (or awakening). Maybe I should post questions on the blog and ask the local politicians running to answer them - or better yet, citizens of Rockingham why don't you post questions and let's see who responds (as in who is paying attention to us).

Moving from politics to other topics:
Maskwa Aquatic Club's Registration Starts Today. Visit www.maskwa.ca and click on the registration note. For those of you who don't know Maskwa, the paddling/swimming club is located on Kearney Lake - 91 Saskatoon Drive. It's a family-orientated club and during the summer my teens view it as their cottage. Yes, they do try to slink into the woods but I keep telling them I have eyes everywhere-lol. Maskwa offers swimming/paddling and an all-day Adventure Recreational Day Camp program. This is a drop off program for children aged 8 (as of January 1, 2011) to 11 years of age operates 9am-4pm with a maximum of 30 children to two recreational instructors and combines a mix of on-water and off-water outdoor activities. Trust me we do operate in the rain!

This year a teen aged 12 (as of January 1, 2011) can take out an Individual Maskwa Membership - we moved the age requirement down a year for the 2011 season as I had so many request last year about this issue we thought by 12 a teen should be responsible and mature enough to be at the club all day unsupervised.

Any questions on registration feel free to call me at 443-0178 ext: 221.

Have a great day!

Important Information - Don't Pick up bottles

2011-04-07T07:47:00.000-03:00

Important Information regarding plastic bottles on lawns
This information came via the HRM constable police:

Kids are putting Drano, tin foil, and a little water in soda bottles and capping it up - leaving it on lawns. When you go to pick up the trash, and the bottle is shaken just a little - in about 30 seconds or less it builds up a gas and explodes with enough force to remove some of your extremities. The liquid that comes out is boiling hot as well.

Don't pick up any plastic bottles that may be lying in your yards or in the gutter, etc.

Pay attention to this. A plastic bottle with a cap. A little Drano. A little water. A small piece of foil. Disturb it by moving it and it may explode.

If you do locate a bottle like this please clear the area and call 911. If you locate a bottle that you are suspicious of, but are not sure call 490-5020.

If you have any further questions please contact me at 233-3797.

Cst. Melanie Ross
Halifax Regional Police
Community Relations and Crime Prevention
1975 Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS
B3J 2H1
powerm@halifax.ca
(902) 490-5020

And Another One Hits the Dust - Rockingham Community Centre Closing

2011-03-10T13:51:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
Heads up that the Rockingham Community Centre, located on the Bedford Highway by the corner of Flamingo Drive, is up for sale. What does this mean to our community? A lot. First off, it's going to be the second community centre to close - Northcliffe Community Centre is closed for community programing. I had a local resident forward me some information. Please take the time to read and note once again a decision on this could be made in-camera HRM session - I think that would bring the total to over 200 this year-lol (not)!

This information was forwarded by Maggie Holm and her concerns are valid. The pricing at the Canada Games Centre is not a community-based pricing and many families, single mothers and seniors are finding the new classes very pricey. Read what Maggie has to say and please comment.

Here are links to the most recently articles and new releases:

http://www.halifax.ca/mediaroom/pressrelease/pr2011/110309RockinghamCommunityCentre.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/03/09/ns-rockingham-centre.html

http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/798355--centre-may-be-displaced

Jason and I attended the meeting held jointly by HRM and the Rockingham Community Center staff, however very little information was shared. All that was repeated over and over was that it was preliminary and that there aren't even drawings to show us. We do know that the developer has offered to include community space in the potential new building.

From my point of view, we are about to loose Northcliffe and if the Rockingham Community Center is closed there would be no other small venues for our Community - the new Canada Games Center is too expensive for many in our community, and I fear we would love some of the small, grass-roots programs.

HRM doesn't have to accept this offer, but a decision will be made on whether or not to move forward with this by Regional Council at an in-camera session. This means the community won't have a chance to read the staff report or even be present to hear the discussion. I worry that the fiscal arguments will win out over the needs and wants of our Community. Yes, the building is older (built in 1965) and a little run down, but it's not in bad shape. HRM could actually put some money toward updating the building to improve the programming rather than tearing it down.

If we do loose the building (and potentially the little park beside it) the programs that run out of the building will be temporarily displaced (for how long we have no idea). This means my kids, and the other 40+) will be forced to join the ranks of the over crowed and under staffed Excel or YMCA programs at the school. The PAR program run by Corey Robinson out of the RCC is an amazing program geared toward keeping the kids physically active, and the staff there care about the kids - its evident in the programs they run and attention they give to the kids. - Maggie Holm, resident to Rockingham.

Area Resident Active in Community Passed Away Suddenly

2011-02-23T15:58:00.001-04:00

Tom Willdey, LCDR, CD, RCN (Ret’d), a long-time resident of the Rockingham area passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this past Saturday. He was active in our community, and a great parishioner at St. Benedict Parish, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Very community, Tom also served as past president of both Maskwa Aquatic Club and Rockingham Heritage Society. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Ronald MacDonald House, which was a charity close to his heart. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5449. Tom was a man who firmly believed “ask not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you.”

His sudden passing is especially, hard on his loving wife of 43 years, Juliana Belle Willdey (Turnbull), and he will be deeply missed by his children, Karla (David), Katherine (John), and Brian (Stephanie).

Visitations are 2-4pm, 6-8pm Wednesday, February 23 at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Thursday, Feb. 24 in Saint Benedict Parish, 45 Radcliffe Drive.

Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Ronald MacDonald House, 1133 Tower Road, Halifax or a charity of your choice.

Survey Public Perceptions of Coyotes of NS

2011-02-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
I thought I'd circulate this survey concerning coyotes of NS to the Rockingham blog, especially since we are seeing more and more of these wild creatures invading urban areas. If you have a few moments please fill out the form. Thanks so much.

Survey Public Perceptions of Coyotes of Nova Scotia

Disclaimer: This survey is being conducted by a group of Dalhousie students in order to assess public perceptions of coyotes in Nova Scotia. In the brief survey below we ask you to comment on your perceptions of coyotes. We will not ask you for your name, and all the information will be kept securely and destroyed when the project is complete. You can leave any answers blank if you do not feel comfortable answering them. By agreeing to take part in this survey you are also permitting the research team to use any quotes you provide. If you have any questions about the information or how we are using it please see one of the people conduction this survey or contact: Dalhousie.coyotes@gmail.com

For more information on coyotes visit: www.gov.ns.ca/natr/

Please e-mail your completed survey to Dalhousie.coyotes@gmail.com with the subject line: Survey by March 7th. Hard copies can also be mailed to:

Scott Dickey, 21 Bayview Rd, Halifax, NS, B3M 1N8

□ I agree to participate in this survey (Yes / No) (Please bold)

Community of Residence:__________________ Sex: □ M □ F (Please bold)

Age Range: □18-30 □31-40 □ 41-60 □ 60+ (Please bold)

Ethnicity:____________

1) What is your personal opinion of coyotes? (Bold all that apply)

□ An invasive species □ A predator

□ An important part of nature □ Other: ______________________

2) Is the provincial government's coyote management strategy necessary? Please rate from 0 -5, where 5 is very necessary, 1 is not necessary, and 0 is not sure. _______

3) Is the provincial government's coyote management strategy effective? Please rate from 0 -5, where 5 is very effective, 1 is not effective, and 0 is not sure. ________

4) How concerned are you about coyotes? Please rate from 1-5, where 5 is very concerned, 1 is not concerned, and 0 is not sure. _________

5) Which of the following factors has influenced your personal concern about coyotes? (Bold all that apply)

□ Personal safety □ Children's safety □ Pet's safety

□ Other:(Please Specify)_______________________

5) When did you first start paying attention to coyotes in Nova Scotia?

____________________________________________________________

7) What is your main source of information about coyotes? (Bold all that apply)

□ Newspaper □ Radio

□ TV □ Internet

□ Government publications □ Other: ____________________

8) What form of community education about coyotes would you find most useful? (Bold all that apply)

□ Public meetings □ Website information

□ TV announcements □ Radio announcements

□ Mail-out brochure □ Other: ____________________

9) Do you have any more information or opinions about coyotes that you would like to share?

10) Have you ever had an experience with a coyote?

Local Rockingham Author Gives Reading on African Chronicles

2011-02-15T09:14:00.000-04:00

Rockingham Author Burris Devanney Reads from African Chronicles

Burris Devanney will read passages from his recently published memoir, African Chronicles, at the Keshen Goodman Library on Tuesday, February 22, commencing at 7:00 PM, as part of the library’s celebration of African Heritage Month.

Burris Devanney is a well known Halifax educator and former high school principal and a co-founder of the Nova Scotia – Gambia Association (NSGA), which he directed for twenty years (1986-2006).

Devanney and his wife Louanne have devoted much of their lives to development work in Africa, having lived and worked in Rhodesia, Nigeria, The Gambia and Sierra Leone. More recently, Devanney has been engaged in part-time development work in Malawi and Ghana.

For further information, please see the author's website: www.burrisdevanney.com.

Way to go Paul Flemming - Curling is on!

2011-02-11T08:39:00.000-04:00

I have to say a huge congratulations to our Nightingale Drive neighbour, Paul Flemming. Beside having the best fish and chip restaurant, Harbour Fish & Fries, on the Eastern Shore, he's also a big time curler who has once again made it into the provincial rounds. Flemming, who is a third on the Mayflower's Shawn Adam's team, grabbed a 6-4 lead in the eight ending. Second is Andrew Gibson and lead Kelly Mittelstadt. This is the first time since 2005 that Flemming has been back into the curling race and it's well deserved.

I have to say beside running his business, and curling as a professional, Flemming also volunteers to take Ecole Rockingham Elementary School's grade six class on a curling excursion to the Mayflower curling club in Halifax annually.

We will be watching Flemming and hope for a great outcome. Major congrats again!

Snow update provided by local councillor, Debbie Hum

2011-02-03T09:52:00.000-04:00

HRM SNOW OPERATIONS UPDATE For Thurs Feb 3rd:

1) *No HRM SOLID WASTE PICKUP today.

RESCHEDULED for Sat. Feb 5!

Due to the volume of snow, street and sidewalk snow removal operations continuing throughout the day.

Go to HRM website www.halifax.ca

2) *UPDATE ON SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS:

From Gord Hayward - Sup't of Winter Operations

"As of 6.30am Thursday, the P1 roads are plowed , but remain snow cover due to flurry activity from approx 4am this morning. Work will continue on improving driving conditions during the day subject to blowing snow and persistent flurries.

85% of the P2 streets have had a cut through pass and the remaining will be done within next 6 hours. Push back and clean up on the P2 streets will continue through the day and evening.

Sidewalk operations are underway, but due to the volumes of snow it is anticipated that the 12 hours service standard on P1 sidewalks will not be met in all cases.

Bus stop clearing operations will begin tonight and it is expected it will take 60 hours to complete." (G.H)

*Please also help facilitate HRM snow removal operations by not parking on the street.

We ask for your patience. Should you have any enquiries, please call HRM Call Centre @ 490 4000 or contact me.

(By email - it's usually the quickest way for me to followup and respond to your enquiry or service request.)

3) * If you can, help a neighbor in need.

We've gotten a lot of snow the last 2 days, and for many seniors and others for physical or medical reasons, face an overwhelming task of shovelling their driveway, walkway, and entrance to their home.

Some may be house bound, unable to drive, get to medical appointments, do errands.
Help them if you can. Check on them. Be a good neighbor.

4) *ALL HRSB SCHOOLS ARE CANCELLED for today.

5)* check out HRM website - lots of helpful info www.halifax.ca

Coyote spotted near Maskwa trails

2011-01-31T15:22:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:

I wanted to let everyone know that on Sunday morning around 5:10am a coyote was spotted in a neighbours driveway on Saskatoon Drive. This is very close to Maskwa's Aquatic Club so please use caution. I know a number of people in the area like to walk their dogs off-leash on the Maskwa trails but I would ask you to please be aware that the Department of Natural Resources is in the process of setting traps to capture these coyotes. Coyote trap for those that don't know can capture loose dogs. The coyotes in the area (including one spotted in the vicinity around Hemlock Ravine by Grosvenor Elementary School) are coming out of the woods for quick food (think your household pet here and not kidding) and they are not afraid of humans. The coyotes moving into the urban area are not like the coyotes a couple decades ago - small and kind of cute looking. These new coyotes have mixed with wolves and they are big - in many cases bigger than a German Shepard - and they are not afraid of your dog or you. .

Check here for more information on coyotes: http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/nuisance/coyotes-faq.asp

New Chair for Rockingham Residents' Association

2011-01-28T09:32:00.000-04:00

Last night the Rockingham Residents’ Association held what could have been its last meeting but luckily people have stepped forward to ensure the continuation. I am very pleased about this because honestly I didn’t want the association to end. I view the hard work by all the neighbours in the area as people who have helped to build the foundation of the association over the past nine years and we all know that while there are no major “issues” hitting the area currently within the course of a decade there will be.

Here is what was decided last night. Denise Teas, who currently lives on Meadowlark, has offered to take over as Chair. A big thank you, Denise. Many in the area might already know Denise because she’s actively involved with the Rockingham Community Centre, located at the bottom of Flamingo Drive on the Bedford Highway. Denise’s involvement with the board of the Rockingham Community Centre and her involvement as Chair for the Rockingham Residents’ Association will ensure the community is well informed of events and issues in the area. Denise, with the help of Tonya Bennett and Anita McKay, both residents of Meadowlark also, will work on the next RRA newsletter for distribution sometime next month where they will formally introduce themselves to the area, plus list upcoming events for the 2011 year for the RRA.

Pattie Reynolds, who lives on Nightingale Drive, has offered to help with Event/Project Planning. I will work both with Pattie and Denise to ensure they are fully informed of the events the RRA has organized over the years. I will also be staying on as Vice-Chair of the RRA, think of me as a shadow, to help Denise along in her new position. Lena Metledge Diab, a resident of Houdia Court, also came to the meeting and has offered her help for the RRA.

I was happy to hear from a number of street representatives who said they would continue to fulfil those roles and others who said they would be willing to help with any upcoming events.

So that brings me to the one big thing we need – a treasurer. Bless Jerry Kean, a resident on Nightingale Drive, who not only chaired the RRA for a number of years but for at least the past six has been the treasurer. Jerry is stepping down so we need someone with a basic accounting background or use to working with organizations to take on this role. This is not a huge job but it does need someone willing to be responsible for the annual registration of the RRA, keep account of the bank accounts, cheques and reports, like the budget for the annual AGM. If you are interested please email me at rbfield@eastlink.ca and I will pass along Jerry’s information so you can chat more with him to get a better scope of the job description.

It's funny how meetings go because Pattie raised something that I think is a great idea I’m hoping the new people on the RRA will look into. We have a wonderful park/playground at D.J. Butler Park –by the way if any city staffers are reading this blog the little tykes playground surface (which I believe had a warranty of 10 years) has a huge hole and needs to be replaced), but we are lacking shaded areas for the many children who utilize that park on a daily basis in the summer months. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a gazebo or some covered area for young ones to sit under on those hot months? See, this is just one idea that came out of one meeting. I am sure there are many other issues, one being I believe the need for sidewalks along both sides of Flamingo Drive, because of the growing population in the area so the continuation of the RRA is a good thing.

Also as Lena pointed out last night I will call the city’s traffic department to find out why they haven’t filled in those two huge holes on Flamingo Drive, located close to Houdia Court. I believe there had been a water main break but honestly, it’s been over a month and those holes are just getting bigger. I will keep people informed of what the city has to say.

So, on this note, I’m saying goodbye as Chair of the RRA. I will continue to maintain the blog but as always if anyone would like to write something pertaining to the area I would be more than happy to post it.
Feedback greatly appreciated. Have a great day.

This SUNDAY - Maskwa Auction & Social

2011-01-26T10:27:00.001-04:00

This SUNDAY - Maskwa Auction & Social

Annual Maskwa Auction & Social!

Mark Your Calendar!

The Annual Maskwa Auction & Social is being held Sunday, January 30 at Kokomo's Family Restaurant,120 Susie Lake Crescent in Bayer's Lake

Sunday, Jan 30, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $5, which gets you a "paddle," enabling you to bid on the auction items, and to be entered into the draws. Children get in FREE.

Come warm up the winter by getting together with your summer friends from Maskwa for a fabulous afternoon of food, fun & prizes!

Enter to win a FREE Maskwa Family Membership! And Much, Much More...

Plus, bid on a dazzling array of auction items! Stay on for supper!

Come support our paddlers heading to Florida for Spring Training and add some Maskwa summer warmth to our chilly winter!

Free event hosted by Bconnected and Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada

2011-01-25T14:45:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
I wanted to let everyone know of a free event in which many local romance authors (myself included) are participating.

On Thursday, February 10, Bconnected and the Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada will come together for a night of Nova Scotia Networking: A Romantic Affair. Can Nova Scotia networking really be romantic? In
February, indeed it can or at least that is what event sponsors claim.

Lynn MacMichael, president of Bconnected and co-sponsor of the event, is excited for the pre-Valentine¹s celebration, which will bring together the Halifax networking elite and local romance writers for wine and cheese, great works of art, and the art of the written word.

Event organizers ensure the community that kissing is not required, but if you'd like to grab your date for a smooch while no one is looking, Cupid will no doubt be pleased.

The Nova Scotia networking event, which will take place at the Argyle Fine Art Gallery, will provide an opportunity for the Halifax business community to mingle with some of Halifax¹s finest local authors. Halifax has a number of published authors who are known world-wide, and the goal of this event is to bring the two communities together.
Businesspeople and writers are encouraged to attend along with a date if they so choose, for a night of networking, mingling and fun. Celebrate Valentine's Day by giving yourself the gift of a night out to get to know more members of our fabulous Halifax community.

The event will take place on Thursday, February 10 at the Argyle Fine Art Gallery (1559 Barrington Street, Suite 102) from 6:00-9:00 PM. It is free to attend, and there will be a cash bar.

To find out more about Nova Scotia Networking with Bconnected and the RWAC
visit http://bconnectedhalifax.com or
http://www.romancewritersac.com/ .

Local Book Showcases History of Rockingham Area

2011-01-21T15:29:00.000-04:00

A resident in the area recently emailed me a note about their book, which details the history of Rockingham. Way cool. Attached is an image of the jacket copy of their book and it's available at Chapters and Bookmark. You can also email Sharon Ingalls at sharon.ingalls@ns.sympatico.ca for more information. The book is called "Sweet Suburb: A History of Prince's Lodge, Birch Cove & Rockingham."

Thanks so much Sharon for emailing me with the info and please send along any information, meetings with the historical society.

HRSB has cancelled school in anticipation of storm - what??

2011-01-21T11:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, I know I should probably cool down and wait before I fire off my own thoughts on this matter but honestly when my 12 year-old called from his Junior High school to inform me that school has been cancelled, I didn't believe him. I made the teacher get on the phone. Seriously? Yes, it's cancelled in anticipation of the storm. Okay, I went on the radar and yes it's snowing in the Yarmouth area but to cancel in anticipation of something well, then, golly gee why didn't they do that this morning. In fact when I look outside my windows it's the same as it was this morning - no snow, no rain, nothing! And if you're going to cancel something because of anticipation - then seriously this policy needs to be examined. Half of life is in anticipation of something. Oh, I know what it is. It's Friday - yes, teachers and staff obviously feel the need to leave early, unlike the rest of the working people who have to work until the day is over. Give me a break.

So for all those parents out there - I'm assuming in about an hour, once lunch is done, the phones will start to ring for closure pick-ups. I hope you all ask why, like me. I can see the reasoning for Yarmouth and other areas affected with the storm (ah, by the way in my days 5-10cm wasn't really called a storm - it was called snow) but for city kids - I say they most certainly could have stayed in school.

Okay, that's my two cents on this matter because I now have to go back to work before that phone rings for me to get my kids.

Coyote Spotted in Area

2011-01-18T11:33:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone:

Please see below note about a coyote spotted in the area – take care where walking in woods around Maskwa and the Heart Shaped Pond.

COYOTE SIGHTING

It has been reported to the school that early this morning there was a
coyote sighting by the heart shaped pond and on the path between the
pond and the school of Ecole Grosvenor-Wentworth Park School.

Please advise your children to use the sidewalks
and stay out of the woods when walking to and from school.

This message was forwarded from our local HRM councilor, Debbie Hum

Please see Dep't of Natural Resources link below for more information and to report any coyote sightings:

http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/nuisance/coyotes-faq.asp

The school has reported the coyote sighting to Dept of Natural Resources, Jenny Costello. They are investigating.

Kindest regards,

Debbie

Debbie Hum
Councillor - District 16
Rockingham Wentworth
cell: 476 7212

Official Rink Opening this coming Sunday

2011-01-17T19:24:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone:

Mark this Sunday, January 23 from 1:30pm-3pm for the official opening of the Rockingham Outdoor rink located in the tennis courts of D.J. Butler Park.

Official Rink Opening

Sunday, Jan 23

1:30pm-3pm

I will bring my usual hot chocolate and I’m hoping a few neighbhours can be counted on to bring along some cookies for the crew.

This year we’d also like to encourage people to bring winter hats, mittens/gloves and warm socks as a donation for the men’s homeless shelter in which a Rockingham resident, Len Sweet, is heavily involved with. This time of year it is doubly important for people to remember that there is an active and on-going need for shelter for all, and many people fall through the cracks. Your donations would be kindly accepted. Many thanks.

New Cafe in area - Monsoon Cafe on Parkland offers a hint of India

2011-01-14T16:46:00.000-04:00

I meant to blog about the new Monsoon Café on Parkland, located in the plaza with First Choice Hair Cutters and Needs, but things got crazy for me. This morning after dashing to work quickly I was dying for a good cup of coffee and hit the Monsoon Café again. Yes, the dark roast coffee is great. What’s even better is that it’s not your typical Canadian café. I almost broke into a dance when I realized they serve Indian food and it’s really good.

Last week I tried their mulligatawny soup, which is a traditional chicken-based soup filled with heat and spices. I’m very picky with my mulligatawny soup because I make it from scratch (that takes almost all day) and I have to report the soup did not disappoint – it was hot, the spices didn’t override the chicken flavour and I wanted more. This morning I took home a puffed pastry filled with spicy vegetables – delicious. The chef promised me he’d have samosas on the menu soon, which I can’t wait for. I also asked for my favourite dessert, jelebis, can’t really explain those but let’s just say they have lots of sugar and syrup, but he didn’t commit to jelebis but they were willing to host more Indian food, all made from scratch.

So, this weekend if you’re looking for a destination to walk to check out Monsoon Café, they are open Monday-Saturday, 7am-7pm, they also have Internet. For those in the neighbourhood this was the old Bean Sprout Café, which I loved and the very short lived Almond Street Café. My fingers are crossed that third time is the charm and Monsoon Café will stay around for a long time. And, for those looking for your traditional Canadian fare, yes they offer that to, but I dare you to be daring and try some spice.

Here is their weblink: http://monsooncafe.ca/aboutus.html

Kearne Lake/Bedford Area Up for Development

2011-01-11T20:13:00.001-04:00

This notice was passed along to me by our local HRM Councillor, Debbie Hum. This is a large development that will take place between Kearney Lake and Bedford. If anyone is able to go I would love feedback. My first thought it's about time a new Junior High got built in this area - seriously, where will all the children go for schools. Just a thought.

A public information meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, (if the meeting is cancelled due to inclement weather, the alternate date will be Thursday, January 13, 2011, same time and location) beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Basinview Drive Community School, 273 Basinview Drive, Bedford, NS, to
discuss the following application:

Case No. 16666 - Application by Cresco Holdings Ltd., for the lands of Cresco Holdings Ltd., to enter in to a development agreement for an approximately 38.5 acre site in the proposed Sub-Area 9 of Bedford West, located between Highway 102 and Kearney Lake Road in Bedford and Halifax. The proposed development would enable commercial and residential uses and proposes 318 multiple unit residential units and approximately 107,000 square feet of commercial space.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive feedback regarding the above-noted application. The applicant will be present to discuss the proposal. Planning staff will be present to discuss the process and the application with respect to the provisions of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law for Bedford
and Halifax.

The meeting is open to anyone who wishes to attend to seek information about the proposal and/or express any comments which they may have.

Planning Services, Sackville Office, 869-4260.

Upcoming Maskwa Auction at Kokomo's Jan 30th

2011-01-09T10:15:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
I wanted to let everyone know about an upcoming auction taking place in the area. This auction is to help raise funds for Maskwa's athletes gearing up to train in February in Florida. Without raising funds many athletes wouldn't be able to attend the 4-6 weeks of training. Your help would be greatly appreciated and it's a great way to enjoy the evening.

Annual Maskwa Auction & Social!

Mark Your Calendar!

The Annual Maskwa Auction & Social is being held Sunday, January 30 at Kokomo's Family Restaurant,
120 Susie Lake Crescent in Bayer's Lake

2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

$5 admission gets you a paddle to bid on items and entered in the draws

Children Free

Come warm up the winter by getting together with your summer friends from Maskwa for a fabulous afternoon of food, fun & prizes!

Enter to win a FREE Maskwa Family Membership! Night at the Quality Inn with complimentary breakfast, free parking and Much, Much More...

Plus, bid on a dazzling array of auction items! Stay on for supper!

Take Part in Skate the Commons Marathon this Weekend

2011-01-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
Many of you in the area probably know that John Moore, the former Commodore at Maskwa Aquatic Club is very involved in the sport community but he's also announcing the first Canada Games Event taking place this weekend at the Canada Games Oval on the Halifax Commons, for the Skate the Commons Marathon. Talk about exciting. Below is the information on the Marathon.

I would like to also echo one of my neighbours thoughts. Yes, to keeping the Oval on the Halifax Commons but please also add an outdoor skating oval for the Halifax Mainland North area, next to the new Canada Games facility, by the library and soccer NS and Halifax West, it would be perfect for this community. Anything that encourages families to be active during the winter months is an asset for this area. We want one too!

Happy New Years to everyone!

Skate the Common in Halifax!

Marathon Skating International, the Dartmouth Speed Skating Club, and the Halifax Regional Municipality are pleased to announce the “Skate the Common” Marathon, which will take place as a part of the community festival “Skate: A Winter Celebration on Big Ice” January 8-9, 2011 at the Canada Games Oval on the Halifax Common.

This is a Speed Skate Nova Scotia sanctioned competition. The 25K and 40K events will be included in the Marathon Skating International Points Series, with points accumulated by skaters counting towards their season standing for purposes of the Pierre Gagné Trophy. Chip timing provided by MSI Sports Timing.

Featured events

5K Big Ice Icebreaker
Never skated in a marathon before? This event will appeal to skaters of all ages, with any type of skates. If you’ve been skating at the public skates at your local arena, you can do this distance – 12½ laps of the oval. But beware; it may awaken your interest in the longer distances!

10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge
Are you a hockey or ringette player, figure skater or recreational skater who’s known for their skating skills? Think you can go the distance? Take on the speed skaters in this 10 kilometre event – 25 laps of the oval!

25K Big Ice Challenge
10K just a warm up for you? This one has 62½ laps of the oval, and is a good test of your endurance and skating skills. And if you’re really serious, you can do the 10K first.

40K Going the Distance
This one is for the true marathoner. Who can complete 100 laps of the oval?

Age Classes: Women and Men will each have the following categories

Under 19 19-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+

Schedule:
Friday, January 7, 2011 5:00 – 7:00 PM Skater Check-in and assignment of timing chips
Practice time on the oval
Saturday, January 8, 2011 8:00 – 8:30 AM Late Check-in and assignment of timing chips
Warm up time on the oval
9:00 – 10:00 AM 5K Big Ice Icebreaker
10:00 – 10:30 AM Ice resurfacing

Late Check-in and assignment of timing chips
10:30 – 11:30 AM 10K Hockey / Speed Skate Challenge
1:00 – 2:00 PM Late Check-in and assignment of timing chips
Warm up time on the oval
2:00 – 4:00 PM 25K Big Ice Challenge
Sunday, January 9, 2011 9:00 – 9:30 AM Skater Check-in and assignment of timing chips
Warm up time on the oval
10:00 – 12:30 PM 40K Going the Distance

Registration and Contact:
You can register online through the RecConnect page on the Halifax Regional Municipality website:
If you need assistance with the online registration, you can call (902) 490-6666. For information, contact For information, contact Sheila McGinn at ai553@chebucto.ns.ca or 902-443-8781.

Fees:
5K Big Ice Icebreaker $15
10K Hockey Challenge $15
25K    $30
40K   $30
25K and 40K combo   $40

Racing Rules: (to be updated later this month)
Slowest skaters will skate on the inside track of the oval. This will:
- Avoid accidents;
- Let slower skaters improve their times;
- Eliminate the need for faster skaters to call out each time they pass;
- Avoid erratic moves across the width of the oval.

Skater Number:
Place your number on the right thigh so it can be seen by the timers.

Electronic Chips:
Please return your chip immediately after your last event. You must use the same chip for the entire competition; no other chip will be handed out. You are fully responsible for the electronic chip return. You are also responsible to wear it in the race so that your time can be recorded and included in the results

Rockingham Community Centre Floor Hockey Free on Tuesday

2010-12-27T17:06:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:

Talk about a wonderful free treat for kids in the neighbourhood:

Jeff and Denise Teas booked the Rockingham Community Centre, located at the bottom of Flamingo Drive and the Bedford Highway, from 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 for a free game of floor hockey or something to get the kids out and about. The weather has been so terrible, and I think most parents would agree that everyone is going shack wacky!

So, if you want to get the kids out for a bit take part in this neighbourhood event.

Wishing all a great holiday season.

Maskwa Aquatic Club Offering Two-week Camps for Children in Feburary

2010-12-15T15:47:00.000-04:00

Maskwa Aquatic Club is pleased to announce two-week recreational-based day camps starting Feb 14-18 & Feb. 21-25, 9am-5pm. The club will take a maximum of 30 children/per week in grades 2 through 6. We will have themed days, scavenger hunts, Mad Scientists one week, an educational hands-on reptile show on Feb. 23 ( http://www.maritimereptileadventures.com/ ) and the amazing Mr. J magician will magically appear on Thursday, Feb. 17 with balloons and much more.

Hot healthy lunches provided.
Cost is $225/per child. Tax receipts provided.
Register today at https://www.maskwa.ca
Any questions call (902) 443-0178 ext: 221.

Secure your spot today so your child will have a fabulous February break.

Maskwa is located at 91 Saskatoon Drive, Halifax just off the Kearney Lake Road.

RRA - Jan meeting at my house & Cool Fundraiser =Fresh Bread

2010-12-06T09:47:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
Two quick things. I did receive a number of emails regarding ending the Rockingham Residents' Association and after much thought we are going to keep it. What this means is I will be hosting a meeting at my house on January 19 at 7pm (46 Nightingale Drive) and those people that emailed saying they wanted to help, I'm hoping they will come. We will do the change over then. We will talk about banking - possibly switching to a bank that won't charge us $12/month - and the process of maintaining the RRA name and registration, and brainstorm on what goals the "new group" might want to pursue and appoint people to new positions - this means myself and Jerry Kean will be stepping down as it's time others took the reigns. So keep posted for the meeting in January. While, I am looking forward to stepping down I will still be involved on the sidelines and still maintain the blogpost.

Did I mention that the RRA blogpost is for you? I want you to send me issues pertaining to the community that you feel need to be discussed or simply put out there, also any events, fundraisers you might be working on because we are not isolated as individual-families - we are a community.

Okay, that brings me to this unique fundraiser I got via email. I read this over and thought wow! First off it's helping a local girls team and secondly, it's a program that works with helping adults gain work experience.

Below is the info: I think it's perfect timing for Xmas and since I totally suck making rolls I'm writing a cheque to Wendy Soulis so I can place my order. I like that a local team is working with a business that's also helping the community at large.

C O O L E S T G I R L S O N T H E H O T T E S T T E A M
We have a very special announcement to make! Do you remember back in Hot Tails Volume 1? (How could you forget? That one was a classic!!!) In it we mentioned that Mark Lever had something “baked” up for us? This is sooo big! Really BIG!!!...No! Even BIGGER!!! We are so pleased to announce our next FUNd raiser! It is called…”bRING HOME THE BREAD”! And everyone is a winner here as it is baked full of goodness and guaranteed to warm your heart! Plus it will have everyone bringing more “bread” home! (And we could all use a little more “dough” around this time of year!!!

Here is how it works! Stone Hearth Bakery and their thirty plus employees are joining forces with our Ice Demons by donating their baked goods at no cost to our team. All we have to do is go out and sell. It gets better…we will be selling at wholesale prices. It can’t get any better right?...but wait…IT DOES!!! …Are you sitting down?...stiff drink in your hand?...helmet on?...100% of the proceeds from these sales goes directly back to our TEAM!!! UN-BE-LIVE-A-BLE!!! “Leave it to Lever” to come up with something this spectacular!!!

To really grasp all of this you have hear a little back ground on . Stone Hearth is a Kosher commercial bakery with the primary goal of operating a work adjustment skills training program. Individuals who have barriers to employment are provided the opportunity to develop good work habits, gain employment experience and build self-confidence. Their bakery has the state of the art equipment and their products are made from only the finest ingredients without animal fats, preservatives or dairy products. Stone Hearth benefits people in our community. As a customer you not only get to enjoy the finest quality in baked goods but you get the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped transform the lives of people with some challenges! How great is all of this??? IN-CRED-I-BLE!!!

Stone Hearth, on the back of their brochure has a little saying. Farm fresh eggs, self-esteem, life skills, job training and pride, baked into every loaf! ... Coincidentally, the Ice Demons display a lot of these same attributes on every shift!

Below is an order form. On it you will find Stone Hearth’s top selling items and prices. Fill out a form for each customer and bring them in on a regular basis. We will sell right up until Monday December 20th. On the evening of December 22nd we will pick-up our orders (at Stone Hearth Bakery – Bayers Rd Shopping Centre) and drive your “car-away” delivering them within the next two days. As Shawn Patterson (manager at Stone Hearth) says, “Let’s keep it real simple!” If you prefer you can email me each order form and I will print it. As you sell, please send them in as Shawn at Stone Hearth would like to keep on top of it.

If buyers prefer to write a cheque I ask that you have them make a cheque out in your name. When finished selling and collecting, you can give proceeds to Wendy Soulis either in cash or a cheque made out to Wendy Soulis - her email if you have questions is wsoulis@eastlink.ca.

b”RING HOME THE BREAD”

100% of the proceeds go directly towards the Ice Demons

Stone Hearth Bakery Order Form

Customer Name: __________________ Telephone: _________________

Address: __________________________________________________

PRODUCT PRICE Quantity AMOUNT

SOFT ROLLS (DOZEN) $2.50

CINNAMON ROLLS (6 PACK) $5.00

LIGHT RYE (500G) $2.50

DARK RYE (500G) $2.50

CARAWAY RYE (500G) $2.50

FLAX RYE (500G) $2.50

PLAIN CHALLAH $3.50

RAISIN CHALLAH $3.50

MULTI GRAIN BREAD $2.00

CINNAMON RAISIN $3.00

PLAIN BAGELS (6 PACK) $2.50

ONION BAGELS (6 PACK) $2.50

SESAME BAGELS (6 PACK) $2.50

POPPY BAGELS (6 PACK) $2.50

CINNAMON RAISIN BAGELS (6 PACK) $2.50

MULTIGRAIN BAGELS (6 PACK) $2.50

SESAME KAISERS (DOZEN) $2.75

FOCCACIA KAISERS (DOZEN) $3.50

TOTAL ____________________

Ice Demon’s Name: _____________________________ Paid Cash or Cheque____________

Jersey No. _______________

Dismanting the RRA & Upcoming Town Hall Meeting

2010-11-24T21:26:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
I had a meeting with Jerry Kean the other day and both he and I have come to the conclusion that the RRA should be dismantled or someone else needs to take this over. Part of me feels mixed about this conclusion but the reality is that I can't do it all. The other reality is that the "big ticket" issues like the redesign of DJ Butler Park, the establishment of the outdoor rinks and the safety issues are being addressed. I won't be giving up the Rockingham blog, but I would love if other people want to take over the management of the RRA. There are lots of knew people with young families in the area and if there are people interested in taking over the management of it that would make me very happy. As it stands now if I do not hear from people we will do the following.

There is a little over $1,300 in the RRA bank. We currently pay about $12/month in bank charges. We will close out the RRA account. We will give $1,000 to John Power, who manages the two outdoor rinks so he has at least enough funds for the outdoor rinks for the next two years. I will get the remaining funds of about $300 so I can put on the Canada Day event/End of School Family Movie Night for the next two years also.

Overall, what this will mean is that in two years we will need to figure out a way to fund the outdoor rinks, but I'm optimistic something or someone will step forward to help. Again I'm putting out a plea for someone out there to take on the management of the RRA. New blood, and think of what could be accomplished for our area.

Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Wellness
Join Diana Whalen, MLA, Halifax Clayton Park, for a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, Nov. 29 starting at 7pm-8pm at the Keshan Goodman Library.

Also I had a call from a neighbour looking for someone to help shovel their driveway. Trudy Henderson can be reached at 443-1871 and she's at 53 Nightingale Drive.

Another person mentioned the shelter in Tremont Park is still up but we are getting the city to look in that. The understanding last week is that the city's by-law rep wold be dismantling it, so we are not sure what's going on at this time but would ask for caution from dog walkers in the area.

A few notices - including shelter in tremont park

2010-11-19T15:33:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone:
A few quick notices.
I will be meeting this weekend with Jerry Kean to talk about the RRA. For the last number of years both Jerry and I have continued to do the work for the RRA but really we need either more volunteers to step forward to take over key roles like being chair, vice-chair, treasurer - well, you get the pic, or the question might be do we need a RRA anymore. I will be hosting a meeting, time/date to be determined to bring this to the community at large. Stay tuned for notice by blog by next week.

Shelter in Tremont Park Has been Removed:
There was a shelter built at the far end of Tremont Park with a homeless person living in it and as unfortunate it is to have a homeless person living there, for the safety of the community at large, HRM's community response team removed the person and HRM by-law removed the shelter (or that's what I've been told in my last email dealing with them on this matter). Homelessness is a serious issue but living in the forest is not acceptable especially since many people in those situations have serious mental health issues. The community constables will beef up their patrols of the area also to ensure the person does not come back.

Maskwa Aquatic Club Hosts First Holiday Craft Market:
On Saturday, November 20 from 10am-1pm Maskwa is hosting an alternative holiday craft market and vendors include Adsum House and Adult Services. It's free admission and cash and cheques accepted. There will be food vendors, jewelery, a purse lady, cosmetics and much more. Drop by to check out Maskwa's new digs at 91 Saskatoon Drive - just off Kearney Lake Red - visit http://www.maskwa.ca/ blog's for more info.

Homeowners in Halifax can go Solar:
Beginning on Thursday, November 25, 2010, HRM will hold it's first Solar City Information Session. A complete list of the sessions is listed below.

The Community Solar Program is a proposed project in the development stage. If approved, qualified homeowners in HRM will have an opportunity to work with HRM to install solar panels at their homes. HRM wants tell you more about this exciting proposed program - how it works and how you can apply to take part. Information Sessions are open to the public. Date for Halifax talk is:
December 1st - Halifax, 6-8 pm - Saint Mary’s Boat Club

For more information: Online: halifax.ca/solarcity. Email: solarcity@halifax.ca

Dunbrack Street-Kearney Lake Road Construction Complete:

(Friday, November 19, 2010) - Attention motorists, full traffic flow has been restored to Dunbrack St. and Kearney Lake Rd.

Construction in the area was required to rehabilitate a section of water main approximately 1.5 kilometres in length. The project involved sliplining the existing 1200mm diameter water transmission main with a new 1067mm diameter steel pipe.

Halifax Water apologizes for any inconvenience this necessary infrastructure work may have caused.

For more information please visit www.halifaxwater.ca

New Convention Centre for Downtown

2010-11-10T07:50:00.000-04:00

I wanted to pass this along:

With an approved direction from Regional Council, HRM will now move forward to negotiate with the Province toward the development of a new Convention Centre.

The motion approved by a 22-2 vote of Council states, that Regional Council:

1) Support the development of a new convention centre, pending the conclusion of successful negotiations with the Province and the Federal Government.

2) Direct staff to enter into negotiations with the Province based on the conditions included in the incamera presentation of November 9, 2010.

3) Not release the in-camera presentation until after any negotiations for a new convention centre are concluded

4)Immediately release all public information on HRM’s website

MSVU Study Taking Place in our area on Obesity and Children

2010-11-08T19:24:00.000-04:00

This letter was sent to me for distribution to the community. Very interesting study.

Dear Parent

Mount Saint Vincent University is leading a team of researchers investigating the physiological and environmental determinants of energy intake regulation on the health of children and young adolescents. In our current work we are conducting studies aimed at understanding the controls of food intake in children, with the ultimate goal of finding ways to address the problems of overeating and obesity that are becoming a concern among those people involved in improving the long term health of Canadians.

We are asking the parents of boys and girls 9 to 14 years old to allow their children to take part in a research study. Their participation is quite straightforward: on four separate weekend mornings, following a 12 hour fast, your child will consume a standard breakfast at home, and then consume a sweet beverage followed by a pizza lunch 60 minutes later in the Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University. The study will take place on four weekend mornings at the Evaristus Building (Room 365), Department of Applied Human Nutrition.

There are criteria for participation that you need to be aware of, the child must:

• be between 9 and 14 years of age, and

• be healthy, and have been born at term, and

• not be taking medications.

• not have allergies to milk, wheat or nuts.

As a reward for taking part, at the end of each session the child will be given a gift certificate to Empire Theatres ($10 gift certificate). If you would like your son or daughter to participate, or to get further information beyond that provided in this letter, please contact the Project Coordinator Ms. Kelly Poirier at (902) 457-6378 or the Principal Investigator Dr. Nick Bellissimo at (902) 457-6295 at Mount Saint Vincent University (Department of Applied Human Nutrition).

If you have questions about how this study is being conducted and wish to speak with someone who is not directly involved in the study, you may contact the Chair of the University Research Ethics Board (UREB) c/o MSVU Research and International Office, at 457-6350 or via e-mail at research@msvu.ca

Thank you for your support in this important research.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Bellissimo, Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University.

Ms. Kelly Poirier, Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University.

November has become Movember - Prostrate Cancer Fundraiser

2010-11-01T08:20:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:
I don't usually use this medium for personal things but really, I have to. See the note below.

This blog today is dedicated to my hubby, who plans to drive me nuts for the entire month of November. Now, it's here I should preference, one, I'm proud of him for stepping up to fundraise for a good cause because he's painfully shy and never does stuff like this so that makes me very happy, but really did he have to pick growing a Moustache? Yes, according to him he did. Now, it's here I should write that I hate facial hair on men. Hence, why I'm married to one who can not grow it - which you will all see as I take weekly pics of his "growing moustache" to prove my case. I asked him if I should support him and grow my armpit hair and he almost died - case in point, that's exactly how I feel about him growing any facial hair. So, let me stress again this is all for a very good cause but here is what I will be giving up for the entire month of November - KISSES from hubby. I think it's me that deserves a reward at the end of this. Our teenagers by the way have already started teasing him and yes, he's jumped the line here and started to grow one this week because as you will see in the coming weeks, he really can't.

Here is a sample of the weird things he's said to me already concerning the moustache.

"If I conditioned it, would you kiss me?", asked Hubby. Besides laughing with a vision of him getting a mouthful of conditioner, my answer was NO.

"It will make me look older," he said. No, I said, it will only make you look like a convict.

More to come in the weeks ahead, I'm sure.

So to tell it in his words, here is hubby's cause.
Hubby: (Brian Field)

This Movember, the month formerly known as November I've decided to donate my face to raising awareness about prostate cancer. My donation and commitment is the growth of a moustache for the entire month of Movember.

I'm doing this because 4,400 men die of prostate cancer in Canada each year and one in six men will be diagnosed during his lifetime.

I am a part of the “Men in Trucking” group, which is the male members of the NS Trucking Safety Association’s Board of Directors.

I am not a very skilled moustache grower, and I firmly believe my moustache will look more like a 14 year-old’s than most. Feel free to point that out when you see me.

This is a cause that I feel passionately about and I'm asking you to support my efforts by making a donation to Prostate Cancer Canada.

To help, you can either:

Click this link http://ca.movember.com/mospace/724590/ and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account

Write a cheque payable to 'Prostate Cancer Canada', referencing my name or Registration Number 724590 and mailing it to: Prostate Cancer Canada, Suite 306 145 Front Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 1E3, Canada.

All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having please visit: http://ca.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs.

Thank you in advance for helping me to support men's health.

Long Time Rockingham Resident Launches African Chronicles

2010-10-31T13:09:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:
I received this wonderful email from a long time Rockingham resident who has done a lot of work in the area over the years. I think it's wonderful he's launching a book. See below for the information.

Long-time resident of Rockingham & former teacher & administrator of Halifax West High School,

Burris Devanney is pleased to announce the launch of . . . African Chronicles - a memoir by Burris Devanney

7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Courtside "The Tower" - 920 Tower Road

Saint Mary's University

Halifax, NS

Snacks, Tea & Coffee
Cash Bar

The publisher will have copies of African Chronicles available at this event at a "special launch price".

For more information on African Chronicles, please visit Burris' website: www.burrisdevanney.com

Bus Terminal/District Boundary Getting Changed and lots more info

2010-10-30T16:48:00.000-03:00

Heee heee it's almost Halloween....but before that here are a few community notices happening in our district.

1) Chebucto Community Council meeting

Monday, Nov.1st, 2010
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Keshen Goodman Library
330 Lacewood Drive, Halifax

Agenda item - proposed Lacewood Transit Terminal - site selection!
Here is the link to the staff report on Lacewood Terminal Site Selection - item to be presented http://www.halifax.ca/commcoun/ccc/documents/Revised10.1.1011110.pdf

2) District Boundary Review Public Meetings - see HRM website www.halifax.ca

for more details, maps, reports etc.

All districts including District 16 boundaries proposed to change.

Residents of HRM are invited and encouraged to attend any of the following scheduled public meetings in your area. You will learn about the District Boundary Review process and any polling district boundary changes proposed for your district.

Wed. Nov. 3, 2010
7 p.m.
Halifax West High School
273 Thomas Raddall Dr, Halifax

Monday, November 8, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Basinview Drive Community School
273 Basinview Drive, Bedford
http://www.halifax.ca/BoundaryReview/

3) Maskwa Aquatic Centre

Community Open House

Join Commodore John Moore of Maskwa Aquatic Club and me at their Community Open House this Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. We'd like your input. Stop by and see our new facility. Our goal is to find out what we can offer your community. Feel free to check out Maskwa's website for more information at http://www.maskwa.ca/. Email: manager.maskwa@gmail.com for more info.

Community Open House
Thursday, Nov. 4th
3pm - 6:30 p.m.
Maskwa Aquatic Club,
91 Saskatoon Drive, Kearney Lake

OMG Bust A move with Paula Abdul - Here at the New Canada Games Centre

2010-10-28T10:26:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone:
I had to post this very exciting news. I can't do bust a move because of my *&*& ankle issue but I always contribue to neighbours like Joanne Walker (I'm assumign Joanne you'll be doing this again - hint, hint, nudge, nudge) and her sister....they are a team to be recokoned with. LOL. This is very exciting and a great way to donate to a cause. (just thinking here off the top of my head but maybe someone should create an ORTHO fundraiser for us paients waiting for MRI"s, surgeries etc...yeah, someone should do that because trust me the wait is long - we could call it the Talk for Us instead of Walk for US and people could do marathon readings...ugh I need more coffee now and I'll stop tying while I'm ahead)

Bust a Move in 2011 with Paula Abdul.

Following on the heels of the successful premiere event in 2010, Bust a Move for Breast Health will return on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the NEW Canada Games Centre with none other than Paula Abdul as its celebrity fitness leader. The Hollywood pop-star and former 'American Idol' judge will lead the audience through the last session of choreographed exercise that will be sure to get the crowd dancing like there's no tomorrow.

Register now to win.

Register by November 30, 2010 for your chance to win a $1,000 shopping card from Mills along with VIP tickets for you and a friend to meet Paula Abdul. Plus, the first 20 people who raise over $5,000 will have the opportunity to join Paula Abdul on stage at the event.

Help make a breast health centre a reality in Nova Scotia.

Bust a Move 2011 will raise funds to create a breast health centre within the IWK that will enable centralized, one-stop breast care for the hundreds of families who face breast cancer each year. Click here for details.

Every participant, volunteer, sponsor and donor is an everyday superhero – There's a superhero inside each of us. Each one of us has the ability to dance, move, celebrate, advocate, raise funds, and make a difference for breast health in Nova Scotia.

Space is limited...Join the movement today!

If you would like our Bust a Move superheroes to come to your workplace to motivate colleagues to sign up for the event, or for event information contact us at info@bustamove.ca or 902-473-3329.

There's a community of superheroes behind you. Connect with them today.

Rockingham Community Centre Call for Volunteers

2010-10-25T16:01:00.000-03:00

This below information was forwarded to me by Cheryl Walker, who volunteers at the Rockingham Community Centre. Please read below and see if you can help.

Do you know about the Rockingham Community Centre on the Bedford Highway? Do you know what activities happen at the Centre? Do you have approximately two hours a month, to help keep this historic landmark running, as a viable community contribution? Help share in the vision of what the potential of our Community Centre could be while serving our community as a volunteer or as a new Board member.

The Rockingham Community Centre is a non-profit organization. The Centre exists to serve everyone in the community of Rockingham by providing education, information, recreation, and opportunities to promote interaction with each other, thus enabling individuals to improve their physical, mental, and social well being. The Centre is promoted as an activity and information focal point for seniors, youth, and all ages, of the Rockingham area. Some of the programs offered are children’s afternoon and after school activity program, senior’s fitness, Tai Chi programs, belly dance, wrestling, and dog obedience.

The Centre is in need of volunteers to keep it operating to continue to assist in serving the needs of the people of the Rockingham area. A small handful of volunteers and staff have been working tirelessly to keep the Centre running. The Centre needs and welcomes new volunteers to assist with Board operations and everyday operations of this important Community Centre. We are currently looking for someone to assist in recordkeeping as the position of secretary is available.

Please leave a message at 443-8137, to find out how you can assist in keeping the Centre operating!

Please help keep our Rockingham Community Centre operating!