3july2008: Privateer Days almost upon us.... traditionally one of the South Shore's most satisfying summer events, the Annual Privateers Days gets underway this weekend in Liverpool. Featuring music (Matt Minglewood!), games, a parade and historic encampment with the King's Orange Rangers and others, the event is a family crowd-pleaser.  >>> see web here

2july2008: Lobster fishers to meet with Keddy... Lobster fishermen are being urged to attend a meeting Thursday afternoon in Barrington Passage, according to reports on CJLS Radio
     The report says South Shore M-P Gerald Keddy has agreed to meet with fishermen who are protesting against the presence of scallop draggers on their lobster grounds. They say the draggers are ruining the fishery. They say this is a particularly sensitive time as lobsters are molting. 
     Protest spokesperson Heather Stewart told CJLS that it is important for all lobster fishermen to show up tomorrow to show unity. Thursday's meeting with Gerald Keddy takes place at 2pm on the Barrington side of the Cape Sable Island Causeway. (Tim Horton's parking lot.)

30june2008: Lockeport daycare says web report about violations makes things look worse... About 50 daycares around Nova Scotia have been cited for violations of the Day Care Act and violations are listed on a new provincial website.
     As of June 25, the Fox and the Hare in Lockeport had the highest number of violations with 16 and has until July 31 to correct them. Little People's Place in Shelburne and Huggy Bears in Barrington are listed with no violations... >>> more 

29june2008: Shelburne redcoats and longboat featured in another film... the redcoats and civilians of the the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers reenactment group, plus the coxswain and crew of Shelburne's star longboat were featured in yet another film project over the weekend.
     3RB Productions and producer Steve Mckinnon from New Brunswick were in town to shoot scenes for "Spirit Cove", a two-hour, made for TV feature film about the Acadian expulsion. Members of the 3rd New Jersey portrayed British and French soldiers and fleeing Acadian civilians.
     Local filmmaker Rick Davis was also on the set shooting specialty footage. Davis, a longtime veteran in the field,  has recently started Fireworx Media a film, video and web-specialty firm.
     Filming will continue in Caraquet and Miramachi.

29june2008:  Visitors to the Hank Snow Museum find out just how big a star we really was... museum featured in Toronto Star... >>> more

29june2008:  Vampire film to be shot in Shelburne...  Halifax film maker Paul Kimball plans to bring his cast and crew to Shelburne in August to shoot portions of Eternal Kiss, written and directed by Kimball and produced by his Halifax-based Red Star Films. The feature film stars Halifax talents Christina Cuffari, Vanessa Furlong, Amy Kerr, and Elizabeth Langstrom.
     The plot, according to Kimball, involves an evil female vampire who owns a sound stage in a small, rural town. "The Sea Coast Studios sound stage and Shelburne are a perfect fit," Kimball told SCT. The film is budgeted at $500,000 to $750,000.
     Kimball's previous projects include Synchronicity (Bravo - 2008) and Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Sightings (Space, TVNZ - 2007). He produced the 1996 New Frontiers Symposium:Extraterrestrial Life, Space Exploration, & The Future and was a featured speaker at UFO Retro 3 in Yucca Valley, California.  He is a regular columnist in Alien Worlds Magazine. UFO interview with Kimball HERE. See sample of Best Evidence HERE  See another sample of Kimball's work HERE . See Kimball's Red Star website HERE.
    "Anne MacKenzie of Film Nova Scotia suggested Shelburne over coffee one day," adds Kimball. "I called the new owners that day and here we are." The regional development authority and CEO Frank Anderson have been very helpful, says Kimball. 
    Kimball has a distribution deal in place for Kiss and also plans to film his next project here, for which he has full financing in hand from an American firm. Plans are also underway to adapt Kimball's play Doing Time, to the screen, starring Cuffari, who will appear in a Boulder (Colorado) International Fringe Festival production of the piece in August.

29june2008: More good news for Shelburne County... in less than a months time, an up-start media venture has been launched in the area, purporting to counter the prevalence of "lousy-news" media. Called "Nova Scotia South Shore Good Times: Enjoying Life from Yarmouth to Mahone Bay", the eight-page newsprint tab was direct-delivered into mailboxes Friday.
    The give-away shows no indication of publisher or printer, as is the norm, but a front-page message from "Jimmy Kendrick's messy desk", a lovelorn advice column from "Mary & Jimmy" and a full-page ad for their new meat market, would seem to peg it from SeaCoast Entertainments,  new owners of the former base and sound stage in Sandy Point.
     Less than a month ago, a Shelburne County News blog erupted claiming also to be an antidote to the prevalence of negativism hereabouts. The blog alternates from kudos to local pols to slamming local activists, but is a welcome addition to the local news-o-sphere. Jump in boys and girls, the media waters run deep.

7june2008: OUCH!... MacDonald slams minister in ATV debacle... Premier Rodney MacDonald is back-peddling faster than a Cirque du Soleil star to distance himself from the $260k ATVs-for-Tots program announced recently by Barry Barnet... >>> more

27june2008: No Power to the people for 13 years... "This is not in the middle of nowhere," says Shelburne Muni CAO Kirk Cox, as he  questions provincial government decision to charge homeowners in Upper Ohio more than $11,000 for an power line easement in order for the long-overdue installation pf electrical power... >>> more

27june2008  Two blazes still rampaging in Shelburne County... Water tankers from Quebec and New Brunswick are aiding local fire crews in battling fires in Jordan Falls and Upper Clyde...  >>>more

27june2008: Shelburne cadet places 4th in national competition... Warrant Officer Arthur Melanson of 738 Kingsmill Squadron, Shelburne, recently travelled to Quebec City, where he was a national finalist in the Effective Speaking Competition. 
     Young Melanson placed 4th and broke two records for the local squadron, being the first local cadet to win regional and provincial titles. Melanson received a beautiful engraved watch for his 4th place finish.  He will be attending Memorial University this fall, enrolled in the engineering program. 

27june2008: Lobster fisherman "trapped" with $9,000 fine... A Shelburne County lobster fisherman caught cheating just three days into last fall’s lobster season was fined $9,000 for loading nine untagged lobster traps onto his boat at a wharf in Woods Harbour. >>> more 

27june2008: DFO "on a roll" in fisheries enforcement... From fines in the tens of thousands of dollars, to an historic sized bust of undersized lobsters, DFO enforcement officials in southwestern Nova Scotia have, in the words of one of their own, been on a roll. >>> more

26june2008: MD dearth aiding out-migration... PEI docs says lack of physicians in rural Atlantic Canada is encouraging young families to leave small towns... >>> more 

26june2008: Ferry key to business sustainability... The end of June signals the deadline for a federal announcement on a plan to keep the link between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick across the Bay of Fundy  >>>more

26june2008: Pound sand - and lobsters - say scallop draggers...  Poaching removes a far greater number of lobsters from the sea than incidental catches by scallop draggers, a scallop industry representative said Wednesday.
     "They caught one lobster poacher with 5,300 (illegal) lobsters and that’s just the tip of the iceberg," Dick Stewart said, referring to the arrest last month in Yarmouth County of a suspected lobster poacher. >>> more

24june2008: Catastrophic outcome forecast by some in fisheries from rising fuel costs...  representatives from southwestern Nova Scotia have approached the provincial government about a study on the impact of rising fuel costs on the fishing industry  >>> more

24june2008: Medical small equipment loan service ends in Lockeport...With the retirement this month of long-time volunteer June Williams, the Canadian Red Cross has closed a small health equipment loan depot it had operated in space provided by the Home Hardware store in Lockeport.
     "For the past 11 years, June Williams voluntarily coordinated our Health
Equipment Loan Program in Lockeport," said Amy Crane of the Canadian Red
Cross regional service centre in Yarmouth. "Having a small HELP depot in
their community was a definite convenience for Lockeport residents, and
we extend a heartfelt thanks to June for having provided this valuable
service."

24june2008: Yarmouth Development Corp pushes for waterfront site for arts centre... It's beginning to look like the debate about the location of a new arts centre is going to go the way of a death scene in a melodramatic play — long and painful.  >>> more

24june2008: Good news for Digby ferry... An announcement about the Digby-Saint John ferry is coming within weeks, says an Economic Development Department spokesman.
    At a news conference Monday Digby MLA and liberal tourism critic Harold “Junior” Theriault said, "Losing this vital piece of infrastructure would seal the economic fate of Digby and surrounding communities...   >>> more

23june2008:  Broadband coming to Shelco...High-speed Internet is just up the road for all Shelburne County residents…. >>> more

23june2008: No to draggers... A small group of lobster fishermen gathered beside the Barrington causeway Friday to protest the scallop draggers they feel are damaging lobsters. >>> more

19june2008: South Shore, Southwest are stressed out... Job worries, fuel prices, fishery woes add to misery factor, health survey finds
     One of the most beautiful parts of the province also has more than its share of folks who are just plain stressed out... >>> more

18june2008: NBC Today Show has successful TV shoot in Shelburne...  NBC correspondent Bob Dotson and film crew and producer were in Shelburne this past weekend to shoot a segment for his popular American Story with Bob Dotson, seen regularly on the NBC Today Show.
     5.6 million viewers are expected to see the show when it airs on July 4. The shoot featured local reenactors and the newly-commissioned longboat built for use in the Loyalist Landing 2008 celebrations. The segment will feature in part the Nova Scotia connections of Benedict Arnold, including and interview with his great, great, great grandson, who was in Shelburne for the shooting.
      In addition to featuring more than 20 Loyalist characters (portrayed by Kings Orange Rangers, 3rd New Jersey Volunteers, Prince of Wales Historic Dancers and others in authentic) period dress, the segment will portray the reenactors in camp life, marching, parading and firing muskets. 
     The longboat was featured in a small recreation of the Loyalist Landing, the 225th anniversary of which will be feted during the Great Reenactment Weekend, July 17-20 in Shelburne.  Photos of the TV shoot can be seen here.      
     Recently a CTV TV crew was in Shelburne to film the longboats and later in June, both the longboat and reenactors are to be filmed for a feature film by a production company in New Brunswick.
     The NBC team used the waterfront, Ross Thomson House, Regimental Orderly Room, Sea Dog Saloon and Jane Mason's property for the segments.  Direct economic spinoffs also stem from productions like the NBC shoot. The company paid for 12 room nights at local B&Bs and motels, as well as for  more than 35 meals, including cast and crew. "The total benefit to Shelburne, including the massive exposure we could get to 5 million US viewers, is tremendous," says outgoing Chamber of Commerce president Sam Stewart.
     Both Bob Dotson and NBC producer Amanda Marshall said that, in addition to the town being an "outright gem", the level of cooperation and generosity in Shelburne were extraordinary.   Photos of the TV shoot can be seen here. 

18june2008:  Nova Scotia Power has a new president at the helm... Rob Bennett, who most recently was executive vice-president of revenue and sustainability, was appointed the new head of NSP effective immediately, replacing Ralph Tedesco, the company announced Wednesday morning.... >>> more

18june2008: Yarmouth in "good position" for master port plan, says official... >>> more

18june2008:  Fuel relief could mean more teachers for Tri-County Schools... Superintendent Phil Landry said in Friday that if the province came up with some funds to cover fuel costs, some of the recent classroom teacher cuts could be rescinded...  

Forty two paddlers make Tent Dwellers Festival experience of their own >>> more

18june2008: Green team at Barrington High cleans up... The West Branch of the Barrington River is benefiting from visits by the Barrington Municipal High School Green Team. >>> more

18june2008:... Goofy Golf, drive-in movies, Sea Song Inn open at former base... In stories and ads in the Coast Guard this week, Sea Coast Entertainment announced the opening of the Goofy Golf  mini-putt course and the long-awaited drive-in movie theatre at the former Shelburne Film Studio. 
     A candle factory is due to open next week, with a recording studio and the Sea Song Inn ready to open. Twenty local people are now on staff, according to owner Jim Kendrick. Several acts which in the past would have played at other local venues will be appearing soon at the Sea Song Inn, including the Hupman Brothers, RazzaMaTazz, Troy McGillivray and South Shore Idol. 

12june2008: Gas flows again from Wilsons... prices set to rise to highest ever... Wilson's Fuels is again delivering to rural stations, after refusing fuel earlier in the week, claiming they would suffer a $100,000 loss.
    Local Esso owner John Dexter told CBC Radio Tuesday that Wilson's should "suck it up" and bear part of the costs of the growing fuel crisis... >>> more

12june2008: Grim forecast for Roseway ER... Roseway Hospital execs say public to be shocked number of closures in store during summer... >>> more

12june2008: High costs driving South Shore fishermen to crime... .  >>> more 

10june2008: Welshtown firm wins big brush bid... a $180,000 provincial tender for brush cutting in Hants and Halifax counties was awarded recently to Welshtown Forestry Ltd, owned and operated by Wayne Harris. The only other bid was $79,000 submitted by Black Rock Construction. The local forestry firm has generated $780,000 in winning tenders for brush cutting since 2005. 

9june08: Geocache event may be biggest ever in Maritimes... in a surprise to even the local organizers, the McNutts Island Geocache event on Saturday generated almost 70 participants, making ti the largest event of its kind in Nova Scotia or the Maritimes. 
    The event was planned and sponsored by "The Fearsome 4-Some", using the hobby names of Zipalong, Foggy Hoofer, OhioRider and JoliWanderer. Participants immediately logged onto the Geocaching.com web site to commend the group, with comments such as, " Wow what a great job that was put into this event.", "Just don't think we could say enough about it.", "wonderful to meet so many people", etc.
     Cachers were ferried to the island by Captain Crowell and sons and were hosted in part there by innkeeper (Boulder Cove Cottages) Patsy Van Buskirk. It is estimated that the event generated more than a dozen room nights at local accommodations, in addition to the usual gas, food, and sundries shopping.  see photos to right

4june2008: Province funds Sea Coast Studios purchase for $475,000... Records on file show that the province of Nova Scotia holds a $475,000 mortgage on the former Shelburne Film Studios property in Sandy Point. 
    When the property was sold recently for $2.75 million, it was announced that the previous owner, South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA), was carrying a balance of $1.75 million for two years. SWSDA CEO Frank Anderson told SCT Thursday that the $475,000 was part of the $1.75 million. The local Community Business Development Corporation also had a $50,000 loan against the property. CBDC executive was not available for comment.

4june2008: Lyme disease comes to Gunning Cove... Blacklegged ticks collected from the Gunning Cove area, near Shelburne, have been tested and found to be infected with the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.
     The ticks were found as part of a provincial surveillance program by the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, and the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory... >>> read news release  >>>see web

4june2008: Giant Loyalist yard sale and auction... as one of the premier events sponsored by the Loyalist Landing Society, Shelburne will be the home for a town-wide yard sale on Saturday, from 8:00am to 2:00pm. 
     As part of the fund-raising for the year-long celebrations, the Society's 500 members have donated many treasures, collectibles and interesting items for the Loyalist auction at 2:00pm by B&W Auctions at Cox's Warehouse. >>>see more here

4june2008:  Major geo-caching event slated for McNutts... a small coterie of avid geochachers (see Wikipedia) under the rubric "Fearsome Foursome" are staging one of the largest and most inventive geocach events ever in the Maritimes.
    More than 60 "Cachers" will boat to McNutts on Saturday to locate the dozens of special chaches hidden throughout the historic and storied island. Geocaching is one of the fasted growing hobbies in North America and is becoming a popular tourism draw for some regions.

4june2008: Food flights and fancies in Shelburne County... the ability for residents and visitors to get a good, hot meal in Shelburne County is changing beneath our feet, with closings and openings east to west.
     The assets of the now-defunct Old Schoolhouse Restaurant in Barrington are up for sale, with tender offers being accepted through ads in the papers and the closing of the Loyalist Inn and Shelburne Cafe have left a definite gap on Water Street in Shelburne.
    On a positive note, the former Grub & Grog in Sable River is about to re-open as the Chef's Table, featuring a mostly Italian-continental menu and Gary and June O'Connor, new owners of the Loyalist Inn have great plans there for the hotel and restaurant and pub, with plans to open in the fall.
     The brightest light on the Cuisine scene is the recent opening of Lothar's, in the former Nellie Bly's (Claudia's Diner) on Water Street. The place is bright, modern and elegant, featuring dark wood furniture and beautiful, locally-crafted stained glass and wrought iron fixtures.
     Lothar Mayer's menu is definitely European, with what looks to be an Austrian flavour. The reports from readers have been nothing short of unanimous with praise and this writer recently had what may have been the best breakfast (brunch, really) ever outside my mum's kitchen and the service is uniformly excellent. 
     In a small town whose most well-known restaurant - Charlotte Lane - is a bona fide tourism attraction, and whose last up-scale venture disappeared two years ago, the addition of Lothar's can only serve to increase the impulse by visitors to come into town for a meal. Lothar's is open Thursday through Monday. 

4june2008: Forest fight in Clyde River... lawsuits have been filed in Supreme Court which might force the dissolution of Sutherland Forestry Resources, Ltd, the decades-old forestry company started by R Glen Sutherland and now controlled by a majority of his children.
     S Wayne Sutherland, who says in an affidavit that he has been trying for years to effect a buy-out, is asking the court to allow the sale of his shares, to disclose the financial records for the operation or to liquidate the company and distribute assets.

4june2008: Billy Peterson, ill in Alberta, coming home... the former owner of Lockeport Golden Smokehouses is coming back to Nova Scotia after suffering partial paralysis from the effects of brain tumors and a rare lymphoma, according to reports in The Herald.
     "I just want to come home to see my kids," Peterson told his sister Linda, from a hospital bed in Red Deer, where he moved two years ago after losing his business and marriage here. 

2june2008: $7 million payday for Pubnico wind partners.... Charles Demond, Alistar and Bradford D'Entremont and Jeorg Losse have agreed to a buy-out of their shares in Pubnico Point, the first major wind development in Nova Scotia.
     Demond and company president Losse, through Atlantic Wind Power Corp,  are pursuing other wind projects in the region, including the Nuttby Mountain project which musical diva Anne Murray has said would spoil her view and that of others in scenic cottage country near Truro. 

31may2008:  More legal woes for RDA in Sea Coast Film Studios deal... Claussen Walters Realty has sued the South West Shore Development Authority in Supreme Court in Bridgewater for $275,000, claiming that SWSDA reneged on a written offer to pay a finders fee for the recent sale of the former Canadian Forces station at Sandy Point to U.S.-based magazine publisher Jim Kendrick.
     The suit alleges that a Claussen Walters agent showed the property to a  Kendrick associate and that the agreement (for 10% of the sales price, which was $2.75 million) is in writing. SWSDA's defence says that no such deal exists and that the real estate firm did not show the property. Local broker Al Keith apparently showed the property and received the 10% offer letter.
     Australian film producer Steve Gilmour, who claims to have been ousted from the deal by Kendrick and SWSDA, told SCT that SWSDA chief Frank Anderson told him early on their negotiations for the property that he (Anderson) could not sell it to another party because SWSDA would have to pay a $300,000 fee. 
     SWSDA, Anderson and the property have recently been in the news surrounding questions and court actions regarding funds from the sale of the former Boy's School in Shelburne, the refusal of Anderson to disclose his travel and entertainment expenses and the apparent conflict of interest of SWSDA executive Paulette Scott, who quit as Shelburne Municipal Warden after taking a job as chief financial officer at Sea Coast.  >>> more

2june2008:  Huzzah!! Hoodwinked a natural sellout... Shelburne's Basement Theatre saw packed houses at The Osprey over the weekend for this year's fare, Hoodwinked. The sometimes corny and sometimes riotously funny farce send-up of Robin Hood, et al, by Margaret Carpenter was a treat.
        There were several acting and singing stand-outs, but Luke MacIntosh as the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham was campily evil and clumsy Terry Bower was a pure and absolute hoot. The costumes were quite good and the sets were terrific. Hats - and feathers - off to all!!

2June2008: Loyalist reenactment volunteer meeting... anyone wanting to help out with some vital tasks for the July 17-20 Loyalist Landing reenactment is invited to a brief meeting on Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00pm at Sobeys Community Room on King Street.
     The projects needing support include Friday night's ship skirmish and burning, the Landing recreation on Saturday and some fence building. 

31may2008: Conflict suit dropped against SouthWest Nova tourism exec....  a law suit filed recently against Destination Southwest Nova Scotia Tourism Assoc chief Madonna Spinazola charging conflict of interest has been dropped by a disgruntled landowner in Kentville.
     The suit claimed Spinazola's tourism job was in conflict with a land zoning matter she voted on as a municipal councilor.  In her formal defence, Spinazola denied any conflict or wrongdoing... >>> more 

31may2008: Chris D'Entremont's quest to save health care... an expert's opinion that "Nova Scotia is a leader in its willingness to review broad areas of its health care system," and the health minister's desire to last out one more year... >>> more

31may2008: Gathering storms of war on Georges Bank?...  Energy minister Richard Hurlburt tossed the first salvo some weeks ago when he bellowed that it's high time to lift the Georges Bank oil exploration moratorium and now fishermen in SouthWest Nova are telling fisheries minister Ron Chisholm that they'll fight any lifting. Meanwhile Port of Yarmouth is gearing up for offshore Georges Bank business and the feds are lying low to avoid being in the middle of what may be a "perfect storm" of a battle of wills... >>> more

may2008:  Keddy set for cabinet post?...  the halls of Ottawa are awash with chatter and speculation that South Shore MP Gerald Keddy may soon be pegged for a cabinet post in the impending shuffle in the wake of the Maxime Bernier firing and the Italy-Afghanistan gaffe.
     If the report by CTV TV is correct, it could spell good news for Keddy and eastern Tories, who have not been on the ins with the Harper government. >>> more

30may2008: More fallout from school funding cuts... Board blindsided by education dept...  Shelburne MLA Sterling Belliveau is up in arms about what he calls "clear neglect for school boards," and insists that the government has "really proven to be out of touch.”
     “A huge problem is the skyrocketing cost of heating oil for the schools and diesel for the buses,” says Belliveau. “The money’s just not there. The Conservative government overlooks these spending costs. They know schools boards had to spend more on these items last year and in the coming year, yet they simply wipe their hands clean. Schools boards have really been left out in the cold.”
     The Department of Education has to sit down with the Board and work with them to find a solution, adds Belliveau. School board officials Phil Landry and Bill Curry were unavailable for comment Thursday afternoon, as they were in Halifax meeting with department officials, according to staffers.
    Education professor MaryAnne Harkins told CBC Radio Thursday that Landry was one of the best superintendents in the province and that, if they were wise, the elected Board would follow his every lead in dealing with the crisis. >>> see Herald Story

30may3008: Province-wide schools crisis looming... >>> see Herald

29may2008: Shake up at Shelburne Yacht Club...   In a move which may not put an end to recent sturm and drang at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club, the executive announced to members today that, after they had consulted with an attorney, manager Sue Renaud has been relieved of her duties, effective immediately.
     No reason for the dismissal was announced, but there has been open friction at the Club recently regarding staffing, accountability and other matters. The memo to members also stated that food service would also be discontinued. Neither commodore Kenny Taylor nor attorney Donald Harding would comment on record.
     Renaud has arguably been one of the most tireless workers in town, since she became manager at the club soon after it opened several years ago. She has supervised day-to-day operations of the club, Shelburne Marina, bar, food service and other aspects of the busy enterprise.
     Yacht Club members contacted by SCT have suggested that Renaud has hired an attorney to represent her in the conflict with the Club.

29may2008: Tri-County to consider closing schools?...  In a Halifax Herald story Thursday, Tri-County School Board chief Phil Landry announced that a study will begin soon which will assess the needs of the board, in light of declining enrolment expected to continue over five years or more.
      "We have to look at what is best educationally for the students," Landry told The Herald and he admitted that the study could recommend closure of some of the 30 schools in Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne Counties. 
     Results of the study being conducted by Jim Gunn are expected to be announced in early 2010.

 28may2008:   Endangered cusk could threaten lobster fishery in Southwest Nova....  If the designation of the cusk groundfish ever changes from threatened to endangered, many hundreds of lobster-fishing jobs in this end of the province may also be endangered, says one lobster harvester...  >>> more

28may08:   $3.3 million cuts to Tri-County schools budget "devastating"...  24 teaching positions and 18 other positions cut, including psychologists, math and literacy mentors, library services. The cuts included axing the job of Joe Hazelton, communications specialist, and three other non-union workers at the board office.
     Tri-County School Board Superintendent Phil Landry said that, “The province has failed in its duty to invest in the future by providing sufficient funding for education.  The loss of these positions will have a devastating impact on our classrooms.”  >>> Herald Story   >>> Vanguard story

28may08: Loyalist longboats featured on Live at 5... the CTV show aired a segment May 28 about the building of two authentic 18th century longboats on Shelburne's waterfront. The first longboat was launched on May 4 and both boats will take part in the Waterfront Weekend and Grand Loyalist Landing Reenactment in July, as well as an NBC TV film shoot in Shelburne in June. The building of the boats by the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society can be seen here.

28may08:  NS Power wants large rate hike after announcing $57 million quarterly profit... MacDonald says "no gouging allowed!"... Ralph Tedesco of Nova Scotia Power avoided the hard questions of Halifax reporters yesterday when he went to Cape Breton to announce rates hikes that would push residential power bills up 20%, when combined with the recent Tory decision to quash energy tax rebates... >>> Herald story  NSPI promises "No power rate hikes in 2008"   Power play puts parties on defensive

28may08: Banner year for history in Shelburne... the Loyalist Landing celebrations planned for Shelburne in 2008 are being advertised throughout the town with a series of banners depicting 18th century characters and the "King's colours".
     The banners are idea for the banners is patterned after the smaller, but successful, banner program seen in 2007 for the Tall Ships and Whirligig Festivals. The characters on the banners are members of the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers and King's Orange Rangers reenactment regiments and the Historic Shelburne Tall Ships Society. The banners were commissioned by the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society.

28may08:  5,000 + illegal lobsters seized in raid on poachers in Yarmouth... >>> more

28may08:  Region of Queens wins Destination Southwest Nova Scotia partnerships award...   >>> more

28may08:  $3.3 million reduction in property price at Sandy Point... in a new web blog, Ocean Products International announced a $1.7 million pricetag for the property adjacent to the recently purchased SeaCoast Film Studios land at the tip of Sandy Point. The former sea parsley plant has been largely inactive during a legal dispute which is in its seventh year. The property was previously for sale for $5 million...  >>> more

28may08: Register.com set to expand in Yarmouth and Halifax with $6 million incentive from province... one of the region's most stable employers is expanding its current 300-person workforce in Yarmouth by 50% and adding a new Halifax-based division expected to employ 150.
     New York-based Register.com manages more than 2.5 million internet domain names and provides 24/7 support services through call centres like the one in Yarmouth. The Halifax operation at the Maritime Centre will serve a new web design and marketing division.
     $4.9 million from Nova Scotia Business Inc is for rebates based on employment targets and $1 million from the Department of Economic Development is for recruitment and training. >>> more

21may08: SeaCoast Studios moving along at a brisk pace... building lots, recording studio, retail, golf, drive-in and hotel... first film production slated for September... in a recent electronic interview, SeaCoast Entertainment Arts (S.E.A.) exexecutive Jim Kendrick told SCT that much activity is taking place at the former military installation in Sandy Point. 
     Kendrick says that 14 people are now working at SeaCoast Studios, including eight full-time and three part-time staff, plus owners/managers Kendrick and partner Mary Barstow, working as unpaid directors. Three full-time and two part-time employees work for the "Sea Store" group and several local staff are "on-call".           
     Former warden Paulette Scott is now chief financial officer and administrative supervisor. Scott vacated her warden's chair due to conflicts of interest which arose between the SeaCoast position and her role with the council and as an executive with the regional development authority, from whom the property was purchased.
     The previously-reported May 1 movie deal turned out to be a UK-based hoax, the origins of which are being investigated, says Kendrick. Final contracts and scheduling are being set for a film to begin shooting in September. The pool renovations are on slow-down mode for the time being.      
     Nineteen lots have been surveyed and perc tested and are being prepared for subdivision approval by the Municipality. The hotel on site is being renovated and, as soon as it is licensed, will be available for invited guests, film crews, recording studio clients and event participants, according to Kendrick.
     The drive-in movie theatre and mini-golf facilities are due to open in two weeks.

21may08: Mow power to them!...   Thanks to a bevy of volunteers, the rock-strewn former high school site has been turned over the winter to a luscious green in preparation for the Loyalist Landing Grand Reenactment Weekend in July. The original estimated cost of $22,000 was reduced to a $2,500 cash outlay. The volunteer mowing by the reenactment committee will take place weekly, saving an estimated additional $1,000.
     Volunteers from the Loyalist Landing Society, the Reenactment Committee, the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers, Prince of Wales Dancers and others have done what some early naysayers said was "impossible." After the summer fuss is over, we'll have a great, green park in the middle of town. click HERE for photo  click HERE for reenactment weekend info

21may08: Natural resources meetings slated for South Shore... a series of meetings to get public input into the blueprint being developed by Voluntary Planning for the province regarding natural resources – biodiversity, forests, minerals and parks - are taking place throughout Nova Scotia. The South Shore meetings include: Monday, May 26 - Shelburne, Shelburne Fire Hall and Community Centre, 63 King Street; Wednesday, June 4 - Yarmouth, Royal Canadian Legion, 75 Parade Street; Wednesday, June 11 - Liverpool, Royal Canadian Legion, 43 Henry Hensey Drive.
     The committee hosting the meetings includes Sandy Point resident Ken Pierce.  A "conversation starter" for citizens can be found online HERE. Citizens can also place comments online HERE  Read Herald editorial HERE

21may08: Yarmouth port seeks public port input... the Port of Yarmouth is hosting a public meeting June 9 at the Rodd Grand at 7:00pm to get input regarding the future of port and the waterfront. The MacDonnell Group (Digby Wharf, Shelburne Boy's School, Windsor Hockey Centre) has been hired to prepare a business plan which could be used to secure funding for any development.
    Port manager Dave Whiting told Nova Scotia Business Journal that large cruise ships had been ruled out, but that possibilities associated with the offshore gas industry are prospects. >>> more 

21may08: Maple Grove student wins silver in national science fair... Maxwell Grimshaw Poole of Maple Grove Education Centre near Yarmouth: Silver medal in physical and mathematical sciences for "Does The Angle Of Your Ankle Affect The Propulsion of Your Flutter Kick?"
     Nova Scotia 's budding scientists came away with two gold, five silver and nine bronze medals from the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Medals, awards and scholarships were handed out on May 16 in Ottawa. Forty Nova Scotia students joined about 450 of their peers from across the county for the nine-day competition.

14may08:  Belliveau calls for cash for Nova Scotia boatbuilders... In March the government announced an investment of $34 million from the National Community Development Trust to support communities facing economic hardship and Shelburne MLA Sterling Belliveau inquired in the Assembly Wednesday if any of the cash will go to the embattled boat building industry.
     “Will the Minister of Economic Development include the boat building sector when it finally comes out with a plan for this program?,” asked Belliveau. The Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association has written a letter to the premier requesting a commitment from the fund.
       The industry has been a significant contributor to the province’s economy, employing about 1,200 people full-time, year round in mostly coastal communities. Builders have had to adjust to drastic market changes and are facing a double whammy as a result of the faltering U.S. economy and uncertain domestic fishery.
      Economic development minister Angus MacIsaac responded by telling MLA Belliveau that he agreed that the boatbuilders were an important part of the economy, but that fishermen were too and the NDP was about to vote against a budget affording fishermen loans to buy licenses which might add to the demand for more boats.
        Local boat builder Stephen Goreham attended the Toronto Boat Show in January and sees great potential for the industry to re-tool fishing boat production for the pleasure market. Goreham's firm is marketing a 50-foot "Woods Harbour LongLiner" to the Ontario market, based on the company's very popular lobster boat hull . "We're not asking for a handout," says Goreham, "we're just looking for some short-term assistance to get us through tough times."
      "This industry is just too important to be left to wither," adds Goreham, "and we are looking for access to just a small portion of the Community Development fund."

14may08: Embattled fibreglass firm sees $13 million annual sales and up to 23 new jobs for the area in emergency signage contract... fibreglass manufacturer and bathtub maker Terry Hawkins told the Coast Guard recently that his eponomous Terry Hawkins Industries (THI) has a chance to rebound from near-extinction with a provincial government order for fibreglass signage panels.
    The panels, according to Hawkins, are being coveted by Canadian sign manufacturers and, after an emergency installation by the province, "everybody wants the product." None of the Nova Scotia sign manufacturers contacted by SCT had heard of the materials or THI and the department of transportation was unable to confirm an order for the panels..
     Hawkins has previously told local media that he would bring 30-90 jobs to the area making small houses, bathtubs and saw handles, but ran into serious financial difficulties when the firm lost those contracts and he was unable to make payroll on several occasions. Some employees remain unpaid.
     In 2006 and 2007, THI was the recipient of provincial and federal government loans and grants totaling more than $360,000 and is thought to have raised private investment capital approaching $500,000 from local business people and family during the past three years.  
     The web site for the firm has been inactive for several months, as has the factory in Sandy Point. >>> read more

14may08:  Two years-plus for bayside opening... Health minister Chris D'Entremont announced recently that the 50-bed expansion of Barrington's Bayside Home will begin within the 45 days, but could take up to 30 months to complete. The commitment to the beds was made during the 2006 provincial election and is part of the 826 beds throughout the province promised by 2010.

14may08: No public input for muni budget sessions, or,  some people never learn... despite clear evidence from last year's well-attended budget sessions, the Municipality of  Shelburne will not be allowing public comments during the current budget sessions (May 14 & 21).
     When told that staff had advised SCT that no public comment would be allowed at the meetings, warden Sherm Embree said that the issue had not been raised among council. Both councilor John Roscoe and deputy warden Pat Nickerson said that the public should be allowed and invited to address council about budget issues.
     Several months ago, staff presented a proposed rules change for council which would have afforded a public comment period for every council meeting, as is the case in Queens, Barrington and other municipalities. The proposal was defeated six to one, with Pat Nickerson the only affirmative vote.

14may08: Marblehead visitors and film studio investors feted at the Yacht Club.... Three prosperous-looking gents enjoyed the famous hospitality of the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club at the weekly "toonie-Tuesday" celebration last night.
     The Massachussets trio, who are reported to be the majority investors in Sea Coast Film Productions Studios and are also enjoying the local hospitality of the Cooper's Inn, chatted with the commodore and watched as young Liza Haegart wowed the assembled crowd with songs and music as a fund-raiser for a school trip to Quebec City.

14may08: Pizza and a movie...Sandy Point convenience store opens... after spending $2.75 million to buy the former Shelburne Film Studios (now Sea Coast Film Production studios), Americans Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow announced Tuesday that they have opened a convenience store at the site, which would be followed by mini-golf and a drive-in movie.
     The duo also told the Coast Guard that plans were underway to repair the swimming pool. Kendrick told SCT weeks ago that the pool repair was "days away" from being finished and has previously assured European film producers that the pool was already refurbished and operational. 
     The new committee raising funds for a public pool informed Municipal council that they would be meeting with Kendrick soon about possible use of the pool at Sea Coast. >>> read more

8may08: Shelburne a "Banana Republic" according to new film studio owners... in a May 5 news release, Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow touted the fact that Americans were finally taking over the "crown jewel" of Nova Scotia film studios, located in what they described as "Canada's Banana Republic"  (the disambiguative phrase is described by wikipedia as "a pejorative term for a country with a kleptocratic government, often with a primitive economy and sometimes a puppet state of a major power".)
     Some local citizens are none too pleased with the demeaning description, and one ventured to say that the implications for the mayor and warden overseeing kleptocracies are not good either. "It's great when folks from away come in and insult us all right off," groused one businessman. 
      When interviewed about whether he saw any relevance in calling Shelburne a Banana Republic, inferring a puppet state, Shelburne mayor P.G. Comeau told SCT, "They were obviously referring to the Municipality of Shelburne."
     The news release also described a hotel on the site, which the facility's promotional video says has 60 rooms. The property has not previously been licensed as a hotel and the Province of Nova Scotia has no record of an application being made to operate a hotel or food service at the former military base. One local tourism operator chafed at the addition of 60 unlicensed rooms to the struggling tourism picture. "We're all hurting already, now this."
     Mary Barstow described the long-dormant property as "alive and thriving" and portrayed Shelburne as an "historic village". At a recent presentation to Municipal Council, Barstow and Kendrick made no mention of the film studio, but told council that a mini-golf and drive-in theatre would be built there, as would a candle factory. The $15 million film scheduled to begin shooting May 1 has yet to materialize. sct 

8may08: Embree takes over as Shelburne warden in fractious council meeting punctuated by outbursts, epithets and crying jags... reports from the most recent Shelburne Municipal Council meeting describe the session as "wild and crazy", among other things. 
     Former warden Paulette Scott quit her honorific post citing the appearance of conflict with her new job as executive assistant to Mary Barstow, one of the new owners of Seacoast Studios, located at the former military facility at Sandy Point. 
     Upon Sherm Embree's election as warden, councilman Raymond Davis apparently launched into a series of interruptions and tirades against Embree, finally storming out of the room saying "kiss my #@s!" Former warden Pat Nickerson broke down weeping and the meeting was adjourned temporarily. Nickerson told SCT previously that Davis had driven her to day-long bouts of crying with vicious personal attacks against her and her family.
     When SCT called Davis for comments, we were told that he was "away for  awhile" and is not expected to return soon. sct

25apr08:  Warden tells Herald "no conflict"... says that "nasty" people have wrong idea.  Paulette Scott denied any conflict of interest in her position as warden and employee at SeaCoast Entertainment in a Herald story on Friday's front page business section. Councilor Terry McIntyre is quoted as being shocked and several of her councilors have urged her to resign.
     Scott has been heard privately to be blaming the entire problem surrounding the conflict issue on SCT, telling some that "most people don't care about the issue."

23APR08:  Shelburne Warden to resign over conflict of interest issues... "right thing to do"... in an unannounced closed-door session on Tuesday evening, Municipality of Shelburne warden Paulette Scott informed her council that on Monday, she would announce the end of her tenure as warden of the municipality.
     Recently, Scott was at the centre of a controversy regarding her being hired for an executive position by Seacoast Entertainments, the firm which has recently purchased the former Sandy Point Canadian forces site. Scott is also vice-chair of the regional development authority, which owned the property.
     Just days ago, Scott told SCT that there was "absolutely no conflict" in taking the job and no matter what pressure was put upon her, she was "...taking the job and staying on as warden." Tuesday she apparently told her council colleagues that she was stepping down because it was "the right thing to do."
     Deputy warden Pat Nickerson is likely to serve as warden until the October elections, but councilor Raymond Davis opposes such a move, saying he has three votes for his plan. "I would like to see Paulette stay on as warden," Davis added, "and give up her post on SWSDA." Davis has been the SWSDA alternate for several years and, according to him, he is "fully up to speed on all of the issues" before the body.
     Davis opined that Scott was the only viable warden on council and iterate a variety of professional and personal issues which would make him and other councilors inappropriate candidates for the position.  

23apr08: Seacoast property sale and mortgage finalized for former Canadian Forces site... two-years of no payments part of the deal...  The South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA) has taken a first mortgage for $1.75 million on the recent $2.75 million sale of the former Canadian Forces Station (the base) at Sandy Point, according to documents filed with the registrars office in Shelburne.
     The mortgage is payment and interest-free until May 1, 2010, after which an interest rate of five per cent per annum for eight years and has payments of $22,000 per month attached to it. Seacoast Entertainment Arts, owned by American investors Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow, is the mortgagee on the property. 
     Seacoast recently received more than 200 applications for employment at "Sea City" and Seacoast Film Production Studios, after announcing plans to solicit producers for filming at the site and to create a business "incubator" there, housing a variety of businesses, including candle making, fish hatching, food services, tourism accommodations and a variety of retail operations.
     Of the the $1 million cash received by SWSDA in the deal, there is a court order to hold aside $520,000, there is a $400,000 plus mortgage from the province and there has also been much discussion in the community of a 10% broker's fee promised for the sale.  

24apr08: Seacoast principals to appear before Muni Council... Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow have been requested by Shelburne Municipal Council to make a presentation at Monday's council meeting in chambers. The American pair were the successful bidders for the Shelburne sound stage at Sandy Point, which they have renamed Seacoast Film Production Studios.
     They have recently announced the hiring of municipal warden Paulette Scott as executive assistant to Ms. Barstow

14may08: Pizza and a movie...Sandy Point convenience store opens... after spending $2.75 million to buy the former Shelburne Film Studios (now Sea Coast Film Production studios), Americans Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow announced Tuesday that they have opened a convenience store at the site  >>> Nova News Now.

8may08: Shelburne a "Banana Republic" according to new film studio owners... in a May 5 news release, Jim Kendrick and Mary Barstow touted the fact that Americans were finally taking over the "crown jewel" of Nova Scotia film studios, located in what they described as "Canada's Banana Republic"  (the disambiguative phrase is described by wikipedia as "a pejorative term for a country with a kleptocratic government, often with a primitive economy and sometimes a puppet state of a major power".)
     Some local citizens are none too pleased with the demeaning description, and one ventured to say that the implications for the mayor and warden overseeing kleptocracies are not good either. "It's great when folks from away come in and insult us all right off," groused one businessman. 
      When interviewed about whether he saw any relevance in calling Shelburne a Banana Republic, inferring a puppet state, Shelburne mayor P.G. Comeau told SCT, "They were obviously referring to the Municipality of Shelburne."