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The Shoreline Journal is a monthly community newspaper based in Bass River, Nova Scotia, and serving the Fundy Shore/Glooscap Trail from Truro to Parrsboro. See submission deadlines...
Established in 1994, the paper was originally published as the West Colchester Free Press by Ken Kennedy Publications, and later renamed to The Shoreline Journal. In January 2008 The Journal changed hands and is now under the management of Maurice Rees. He initiated a redesign of the paper, with the addition of several colour pages in each issue. Each monthly issue concentrates on the many community events which involve residents of all ages, from the elderly to the very young, and those young at heart. A primary focus is those activities which involve students, whether it be school or 4-H club activities.
Maurice has extensive experience in the community newspaper & advertising field, and has been running several businesses in Maitland for the past few years.
On-line issues: This Month Issue Archives - April 2009 to last month
Advertising
Interested in advertising? Click here to view all the details on our adAtlantic Classified Network Program or email the publisher for more details at maurice@theshorelinejournal.com
The Shoreline Journal is proud to be a member of The Atlantic Community Newspaper Association; let us book your ads for you and customize your campaign!
Click on the image at right to view the Shoreline's advertising rates & deadlines in pdf...
Features
The Shoreline Journal understands that rural communities want to know about news and events in their communities, so that's our focus, the things that directly affect our subscribers, sponsors and customers. Watch for regular items:
| Rees' Pieces (Publishers) | Letters to the Editor | Community Calendar |
| Heritage Notes | Sports Events | Classified Ads |
| Senior Affairs | Nature Notes | Credit Union News |
| MLA Activity Report | Community Centres | Fire Brigade |
| Favourite Pet Photo | Parish News | 4-H Clubs |
| Kitchen Korner | Poems & Photos | Obituaries |
| Front Page Briefs |
plus notes from many communities and organizations such as:
Bass River, CCJS Student Council, Chiganois, Debert Elementary, Debert Legion, Great Village, Londonderry Council, MacCarell Villa, Masstown, Onslow Belmont, skating clubs & other groups
The Shoreline Journal
March 2020 Issue follows:
April 2020 - Never before, never again
They say there are two things in life we can be sure about: death and taxes. Now we can add to the list – Covid-19. We have not seen anything like winter 2020 and we hope never to experience it again.
Another thing we learned, President Trump will never make the grade as a fortune teller. In a press conference the week of March 20th, he indicated Covid-19 would be over soon as he was hoping churches would be full for Easter Sunday.
Not sure why he projects things will be solved soon, other than he sees the virus having a negative impact on his re-election aspirations. For about three years he banked his re-election on a strong economy and was doing everything possible to get the stock market climbing higher.
Compassion Extended to Drivers Keeping Food on Our Tables
By Linda Harrington
Walking by the Glenholme Loop Petro Pass Restaurant at 8:00am one would think it was open for business as usual, except for the closed sign and the fact Nova Scotia is in a State of Emergency and no sit down restaurants are open.
Truck after truck was pulling off Highway 104 and before long the blinker came on as drivers headed for their bright light along a long lonely highway.
Glenholme Loop Petro Pass Restaurant Owner/Cook Crystal Blair had been up early the last few days despite her business closing down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of taking a well-deserved rest after serving customers for 31 years, she did the complete opposite. The first day of closing she was in scrubbing down the showers to make sure the drivers had a clean place to fresh-up, then when she realized she had an extra shipment of toilet paper she offered this to anyone in need. It wasn’t long until she realized how bad things had gotten for the truck drivers out on the roads with all of the shut-downs.
She reached out on her Glenholme Loop Petro Pass Restaurant facebook page saying "I am reaching out today on behalf of all of our drivers...I have to say I have literally been in tears most of the morning as I listen to our defeated drivers, many saying they're ready to go home that it is not worth it. Everywhere they go they are being turned away or the odd place that is open to them for takeout have their prices jacked up! If we think we are in a crisis now people just wait until these drivers refuse to haul our supplies!"
After hearing what the drivers were going through, Crystal added a supper time hot meal along with the hot breakfast and tried to leave food items and clean washrooms available for times when she went home for a well-deserved break in the day.
Her kindness made the local news and had thousands of shares on Facebook. People started sending her messages offering their support. She received a donation from a lady in memory of her late husband who was a driver for thirty years. Donations came from trucking operations and other drivers. She was now able to offer hot meals free of charge.
"Words cannot describe my gratitude for being able to do this," she posted on Facebook. "The drivers are so grateful as well! Its times like this we really need to be there for each other and I am getting to see first-hand how all the kind, caring people just coming out of the wood work!"
Drivers were welcome to stop in for free burgers and fries or fish and chips, with a hot shower available, too!
As the days went by, more and more drivers heard about the welcoming service. Crystal started to worry how this would continue if she became ill, turning down offers from people to help cook so as not to risk anyone else getting sick. She decided to put out a plea for masks. "I reached out on FB asking for masks ..minutes later people are coming from all directions handing me masks! I am wowed all day long by all of you. Everyone cares so much and I feel like we are all in this together and I hope when this is all said and done that we all still feel that connection."
The Glenholme loop has done well for giving drivers a few options during these trying days. Debbie Cock, owner of Double C Truck Stop was also keeping showers open and well cleaned, with a pot a coffee on. Take-away meals were available at Masstown Market, Tim Hortons and Greco Express. -30-
What’s Wrong – Sign
Highway or trail signage is erected and motorists or those using a trail are expected to obey all signage otherwise the strong arm of the law might bring undesired results. Occasionally it might not be prudent or safe to obey certain sign postings. Something is wrong with the above sign. First person to send an email to: maurice@theshorelinejournal.com correctly identifying the problem will win a one year subscription. (Rees Photo)
Uncertain Times
(The following information was shared with the Shoreline’s founding publisher, Ken Kennedy, based on an email he received from a colleague. It is required reading as a guideline of what each of us should do to protect ourselves and others from ConVid-19 virus)
We know there is so much outside of our control. What's important is to do things within our control, in order to stay safe. Distance yourself socially from others. Practice good hygiene. Do not hoard food and supplies.
Across the province, dedicated healthcare professionals are putting in long hours. With our actions, we are doing more than saying thank you. We are supporting them by making their job easier, and by extension, supporting one another.
That means strictly following public health advice. Even if you have no symptoms, you must self-isolate for 14 days if you've travelled to another country or province. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water (constantly) and practice proper sneezing / coughing etiquette.
Nova Scotia's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Strang and his team are working around the clock under incredibly stressful circumstances. Keep them in your thoughts. We need them to succeed.
Above all else, be kind. If you know someone who is in self-isolation, is a senior, or is in a vulnerable group, please reach out to them. If you can’t help them for whatever reason, please send me their name and we will reach out and try to make sure they have what they need.
The resilience and generosity of Nova Scotians will prevail during this challenging time.
Nova Scotia is now under a State Of Emergency.
Here is what that means:- Restaurants are restricted to take-out and delivery only. There is no in-person dining.
- Drinking establishments, wineries, distillery tasting rooms, and craft taprooms must close.
- Private liquor stores can continue to operate and craft breweries, wineries and distilleries can continue to sell their product from their storefront.
- Personal service and fitness establishments such as hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons, body art establishments and gyms must shut down.
In terms of businesses and employees, the federal government has announced measures for those who have been laid off. The Emergency Care Fund will provide Canadians who are ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) with 14 weeks of comparable support. Canadians who are ill, quarantined or self-isolating, or caring for a sick family member, will be eligible for this fund.
Another option is the Emergency Support Fund that will
support Canadians who have lost their jobs and are ineligible
for EI. This includes self-employed individuals whose businesses
have closed.
The government of Nova Scotia has announced additional measures for small- and medium-sized businesses, including a $161-million fund to address cash flow difficulties and access to credit. For further information regarding these steps, visit:
https://novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity/contact.aspFor the most up-to-date public health information and advice, visit the provincial public health coronavirus (COVID-19) website.
Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or is coming into Nova Scotia from another province must self-isolate for 14 days when they return. If you have been in close contact with someone who has travelled and is experiencing fever (above 38 °C) and/or a new cough, you should complete the online COVID-19 self-assessment before calling 811. This online questionnaire can be found at
https://811.novascotia.ca/.
We should all be proud of each other. As the days pass, the
community spirit showcased by Nova Scotians and Canadians will
serve as both an anchor and a silver lining to our difficult
times. It's wonderful to see the kindness of strangers helping
strangers as we navigate this challenge together. To that end,
don't lose that spirit. Stay positive, stay vigilant and stay
safe. - Tim
Colchester COVID-19 Update
By Maurice Rees
At the March 26 monthly meeting council received an update on Covid-19 and how the municipality is responding to the constantly changing situations. CAO, Rob Simonds provided Council with a comprehensive update on operational implications and adjustments, broken down by department, relative to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Simonds indicated that this is meant to be a high-level overview of operational and administrative considerations since COVID-19 has become more significant for our organization, community and province. Staff have been meeting with Executive over the last week or so and will continue to do so to keep them well informed. Staff continue to meet on a daily basis doing regular check-ins and updates.
On a request to have continued reports on a bi-weekly basis to all of Council, the CAO advised that staff would do its best to make updates at each meeting of Council or Council Committee. Cell Phone Service Councillor Cooper raised the issue of cell phone circuits being busy. As some people no longer have land lines, this can be a significant issue. Dave Westlake, Emergency Management/Protective Services Coordinator, advised that this information had previously been brought to his attention, it was forwarded to the Provincial Emergency Management. A preliminary response was received but a follow up will be done to request more information. Once received, the information will be circulated to Council via the CAO.
March 2020 - Shoreline Journal Tidbits
Keeping Couples Together
Couples deserve to be able to stay together when they are in long-term care. Government is introducing the Life Partners in Long Term Care Act to protect a couple's right to be placed together. The new act will allow couples to be placed together at the highest care level required. For example, if one spouse requires nursing home care and one requires residential care, the couple would be placed in a nursing home.
Government will also work with Veterans Affairs Canada to ensure this right applies to spouses of veterans. This will apply to couples as defined in the act for admission to one of the 132 long-term care homes licensed and funded by the province. Additional Resources, Continuing Care: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ccs
Special Move Permits Available for Forestry Sector
Forestry contractors looking to move wood or forestry equipment over short distances can apply for a special move permit while spring weight restrictions are in place. This is a short-term measure to help keep people in the forestry sector working. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will allow some use of provincial roads on a case-by-case basis, based on road and weather conditions. Persisting and overnight colder weather, below zero degrees Celsius, would support safe transport.
The Forestry Transition Team has raised spring weight restrictions as a significant issue and has endorsed this plan.For inquiries on the permitting process, contact the Operations Contact Centre at 1-844-696-7737.
Results Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River
Dave Ritcey was victorious in the March 10th by-election to fill the seat vacated by Lenore Zann who switched to federal politics and won Cumberland-Colchester for the Liberals. A small turnout of approximately 2
0% of potential voters turned out casting their ballots as follows: Ivan DROUIN, Green, 398; Allan KENNEDY, Liberal, 1,385; Kathleen KEVANY, NDP, 925; David RITCEY, Progressive Conservative, 2,922 and Matthew RUSHTON, Atlantica Party, 55Amendments to Insurance Act
Nova Scotians can be vulnerable to financial schemes targeting life insurance policies. Amendments to the Nova Scotia Insurance Act will better protect Nova Scotians by providing insurance companies with legal grounds to refuse to transfer ownership of life insurance policies to third parties. Government is also closing the loophole on the use of side accounts.
Currently, third parties are potentially able to buy life insurance policies from seniors or people who are critically ill at a fraction of face value. In addition, they can transfer large sums of money into side accounts to take advantage of fixed interest rates. Changes will come into effect upon proclamation.
Amendments to the Railways Act
Changes to the Railways Act will clarify the public safety and maintenance obligations for discontinued, abandoned or unlicensed railroads in the province. The amendments will require the province's three short-line railway companies to have their infrastructure inspected by a qualified inspector every five years to ensure that any rail assets do not become public safety issues.
The changes will also bring the Sydney Coal Railway, formerly regulated under the federal Railway Safety Act, under the regulatory authority of the province.There are three short-line railways in the province: the Windsor-Hantsport Railway is non-operational. The company owns 34 kilometres of track from Windsor to New Minas; Sydney Coal Railway owned by Nova Scotia Power, is unlicensed and has no direct regulatory oversight although it abides by federal rules; it is classified as an industrial railway and currently falls outside provincial legislation and Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway discontinued the Sydney subdivision, from St. Peter's Junction to Sydney, in 2015 due to low traffic volumes. It is responsible for about 389 kilometres of rail line between Truro and Sydney.
Sergeant-at-Arms Made Peace Officer
The sergeant-at-arms at Province House, will be made a peace officer. With this change, the speaker of the house can permit the sergeant-at-arms to carry a firearm and other equipment used by police, if required. The type of firearm or other weapons must be those approved for use in Nova Scotia by police officers.
The changes also include: requiring the sergeant-at-arms to have the same training and certifications that police officers must have in Nova Scotia to possess and use a firearm, and other equipment; permitting the sergeant-at-arms to pursue persons that leave the premises, when appropriate and required and
giving the speaker the authority to appoint the sergeant-at-arms and the governor-in-council the authority to determine the salary. Currently the salary is set in legislation
Need for Geographically Separate RCMP Call Centres
Lenore Zann, MP for Cumberland Colchester made a statement in the House of Commons On March 9th on the Recent Earthquake in Dartmouth and the need for geographically separate emergency call centres. The RCMP intends to close the current 911 Emergency Call Centre in Truro, February 2021 and relocate to one single call centre in Dartmouth.
Zann also created a petition on behalf of RCMP Civilian members, which has garnered 4248 signatures which she will table in the House of Commons. The petition requests the Chair of the Treasury Board halt a plan to place RCMP civilian members on the flawed Phoenix Pay System and Tom instead "introduce a different reliable, stable replacement system".
Part of her statement included, "The number one continuity safety issue for emergency preparedness is geographic separation and redundancy in communications. The recent earthquake is a prime example of why it is not wise to put all of our eggs in one basket, which is what the RCMP is proposing to do by moving the 911 call centre from Truro to Dartmouth. The rationale for this move seems less about safety and more about the fact that the RCMP moved into a headquarters that is too big for its needs. I would urge the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to reconsider this action and protect the 100-kilometre geographic separation of these facilities for the safety and protection of all Nova Scotians".
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) made the announcement that they would move the Nova Scotia Operational Communications Centre (OCC) from Truro, NS to Dartmouth, NS effective February 2021. Retired MP Bill Casey serious concerns and referred to studies regarding the potential risks to the Public Safety of Nova Scotian's by co locating the RCMP OCC in the same area as the other largest Police Communications Centre in the Halifax Regional Municipality, NS.
In direct response to MP Casey's concerns, the Minister of Public Safety, Ralph Goodale initiated an Independent study that he directed the RCMP to complete.
The RCMP have since communicated that they will not be studying the risks or issues of moving the OCC from Truro, NS to Dartmouth, NS but will be in fact study how to make improvements to the OCC once it is moved to Dartmouth, NS.
Atlantic Journalism Awards Gala Cancelled
The Atlantic Journalism Awards' Board of Directors has decided to cancel this year's gala on Saturday, May 9th 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19. The organizers will continue with the competition and announce both the finalists and winners in May.
Upper Clements Park is no more
The Upper Clements Park, which was established as a major tourism attraction in the Annapolis Valley has been sold and the site will be repurposed as Gordonstoun Nova Scotia. It is the first franchise of the famed Scottish boarding school attended by members of the royal family will require an investment of up to $62-Million and may open in September 2021.
A consortium led by Canadian businessman Edward Farren, with the cooperation of local government, will build a 250-acre campus in Annapolis County, where pupils will be able to benefit from an education based on Gordonstoun’s world-leading approach," the Scottish school said in a communication early on March 17.
Page One Briefs - April 2020
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The Along
the Shore Community Health Board has made the decision to
postpone the Wellness Fair that was previously scheduled to take
place in Bass River at the West Colchester Consolidated School
on April 18th. Once a new date has been selected, we
will inform community groups/organizations with an opportunity
to register for a booth at this event. We thank all of the
organizations for their interest in participating in this year’s
Wellness Fair, and we look forward to planning this event in the
near future (likely early fall). We hope that everyone is
staying well during this challenging time. For information:
Mandy Moore, Community Health Board Coordinator,
AmandaM.Moore@nshealth.ca;
Ph: 902.890.4383 10 annual Shoreline Journal’s 90th & 90+ Birthday party scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2020 has been cancelled / postponed to a later date. We are still taking registrations of those who will be 90 in 2020, or who have not attended in previous years. Contact: maurice@theshorelinejournal.comThe Debert Legion will be temporarily closed due to COVID19, which also means Friday night suppers have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. Don Fletcher, Chair, Cliffs of Fundy Geopark Society says he has been advised the UNENCO meeting originally scheduled for the end of March, which was anticipated to approve the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark application has been cancelled due to the CoVid-19 scare. The decision could be delayed for up to two months. Meanwhile the geopark society will continue to prepare for when the official word is forthcoming. Effectively at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, March 19 restaurants are restricted to take-out and delivery only and no in-person dining; drinking establishments, winery and distillery tasting rooms and craft taprooms must close. Private liquor stores can continue to operate and craft breweries, wineries and distilleries can continue to sell their product from their storefronts All Municipality of Colchester buildings are closed to the public until further notice to protect against the spread of COVID-19. The closures include recreational facilities. All recreational programming is cancelled until further notice. Essential services will continue during building closures. These include sewer and water maintenance, snow removal, critical road repairs, building inspection, and bill processing. The application deadline for the Low-Income Municipal Tax Assistance Program has be extended to 29 May 2020. For the latest information about Municipal services visit www.colchester.ca or call 902-897-3160.Government is extending the date for driver licenses and vehicle registrations expiring in March, April and May to August 31. All law enforcement agencies have been notified of the extensions. Some of the services offered through Access Nova Scotia and Registry of Motor Vehicle Offices are available online at https://www.novascotia.ca/sns/access/online-services.asp" The Truro Home & Outdoor Show, which was scheduled to take place April 17-19, at the Rath Eastlink Centre has been postponed. Once the all-clear has been received to resume holding events again, we look forward to sharing rescheduled dates for the show", Catherine Macnutt, Marketing & Operations Manager, Master Promotions Ltd.Film Productions Announced Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) announced newly approved productions through the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund for Variety TV series, Mix Sonore, produced by Mix Sonore Productions Inc. (Connections Productions), for a funding commitment of $322,280 based on eligible Nova Scotia expenditure of $1,171,930. Dramatic web series, I am Syd Stone, produced by Dog Pound Productions Inc. has been approved for a funding commitment of $45,884 based on eligible Nova Scotia expenditure of $158,222. |
Read the Journal on-line!
The entire issue is available on line in pdf format - browse through the paper page by page, read as little or as much as you like. Click for Issue Archives...
| April 2020 issue | |
| THE SOUTH CUMBERLAND NEWS April 2020 issue | |
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