Hi everyone:
Registration is up and running on the Maskwa home page or through the Registration links. Please click on the member option to register for basic Maskwa membership, paddling, swimming. To register for non-programs like Associate Membership (this is designed for one person at one address for after hour use and weekend only use at the club), day camp, kiddie kayak for non-members click on the non-member link. Any questions don't hesitate to call me at 443-0178 ext: 221.
I'm in the office most days from 9am-2pm. I'm back in tonight from 6pm-7:30pm.
In this blog I'm listing some of the news from Clayton-Park, MLA Diana Whalen
Greetings!
Spring is in the air and there are a lot of events coming up in our area. I hope you will find this e-newsletter interesting and please feel free to share it with your friends and contacts.
Welcoming new Canadians at Rockingham School in May.
I have attended two wonderful Canadian Citizenship Ceremonies this month - one at Rockingham School and the other at the Canadian Games Centre. Both were very emotional for for all who participated. At Rockingham School each new Canadian was presented with a book of student poems and essays about being Canadian!
The Legislature has just wrapped up. Power rate increases and education cuts at the Primary to Grade 12 level dominated our discussions. At my office I have a petition against the proposed power rate increases and I welcome you to drop by and sign it. The online version of this petition has over 30,000 signatures to date!
If you know of an event you would like to have included in upcoming e-newsletters, please let my office know at 443-8318.
I look forward to seeing you in the community!
Hike to Susies Lake with MLA Diana Whalen
The planned expansion of Bayers Lake Business Park is bringing the Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness back into the news. The expansion will lead to a proper parking lot and trail to Susies Lake but land that is currently forest will soon be part of the shopping district.
Join MLA, Diana Whalen, on June 14th for an evening hike into the wilderness behind Bayers Lake and see the area for yourself. Susies Lake itself is truly beautiful!
Susies Lake
The hike will be lead by members of the Halifax North West Trails Association. Please plan to join us and bring your family and friends. This is a great way to see part of the wilderness area, on our doorstep, that was protected by the province in 2009.
Date: Thursday June 14, 2012
Time: Meet at 6:30 p.m .
Where: Parking lot located on Susies Lake Crescent (off Chain Lake Drive - beside the Burger King)
Wear good footwear as this is a forest trail. The walk will take about an hour and a half. I hope to see you there!
Important Public Meeting on the future of Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes
What: Public Meeting hosted by HRM Staff and the Chebucto Community Council to discuss the future of the BMBCL wilderness area.
Where: St. Peter's Church Hall (Kearney Lake Rd at the Bedford Highway)
When: Thursday, May 31st at 6:30 p.m.
It's important to have a strong showing of support at the meeting to illustrate that our community cares about this wilderness area and wants to keep it in tact. I hope you, your friends and your neighbours can join me.
Diversity Photography Contest
The FUSION Halifax Immigration & Diversity Action Team has launched a Diversity Photo Contest, with the theme "Express Yourself. Do It, Do.," open now until June 1, 2012. They want to know what diversity in HRM looks like through your eyes, and multicultural Clayton Park is a wonderful example of diversity in Halifax!
The top prize is $500, and the contest is open to residents of HRM. People of all ages and with all levels of photography skills are encouraged to participate.
For more information, please visit their website, and to submit your photo, email it to diversityphotocontest@fusionhalifax.ca.
Neighbourhood Clean Ups
On June 8th and 9th, Clean Nova Scotia will be coordinating the largest single cleanup in Nova Scotia - 'Clean Across Nova Scotia' is part of a larger movement which aims to tackle issues of litter and illegal dumping through an unprecedented global action known as "Let's do it!: World Cleanup 2012". The goal worldwide is to engage 300 million participants in 100 countries worldwide by September 2012, and Clean Nova Scotia is aiming for 25,000 participants across NS. Let's make Clayton Park a part of that!
For more information and to register a clean up in our area, please visit their website or contact my office.
Public Meeting on Prescription Drug Abuse
On May 26th a public meeting on prescription drug abuse in adolescents held from 1-3 p.m. at the Bedford Lion's Den, Lebrun Centre (36 Holland Avenue, Bedford). This is a very important issue as deaths relating to prescription drug abuse in young people is an increasing problem all across Nova Scotia.
Topics:Hear how prescription drug abuse has affected the lives of others
Talk about how this problem has affected your life
Discuss what action needs to be taken to prevent more unnecessary deaths
Learn how you can protect your children
Help shine a light on this critical issue
Speakers will include parents and siblings who lost loved ones to the dangerous combination of prescription pills and alcohol.
North West Trails Association Kiosk at Canada Games Centre
The North West Trails Association is excited to announce the unveiling of a new kiosk in front of the Canada Games Centre. The kiosk will feature maps of trails in the area and will help our community get out and experience the beautiful trails we're lucky to have in the area.
To celebrate this accomplishment, the Trails Association will host a special "Kiosk Unveiling" at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 2nd. There will be refreshments followed by a short walk around the Mainland Common to show new improvements made to the Mainland Common Loop Trail. The group will be back to the kiosk site by noon.
For more information on the Trails Association and their summer hikes, beginning in June, please visit www.halifaxnorthwesttrails.ca.
Upcoming Community Events
African BBQ Fundraiser and Soccer Skills Competition
Join the African Diaspora Association of Nova Scotia, Soccafrique and Soccachique on Monday, May 21st (Victoria Day) at the Rockingham Community Centre (199 Bedford Highway) from 4-8 p.m. for a fundraising BBQ and soccer skills competition. Plates are $10. Try grilled tilapia, grilled chicken, veggie samosas, rice, stew and salad. For more information, call 404-3670 or email settlementservices@adamns.ca. All are welcome!
Rockingham School Spring FairÉcole Rockingham School will host their annual spring fun fair on Saturday, May 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 31 Tremont Drive. There will be games, a bouncy castle and a yard sale - all are welcome!
"Let's Talk #105" With Geoff ReganJoin Halifax West MP Geoff Regan for an open discussion at Rockingham United Church Hall (12 Flamingo Drive) on Saturday, May 26th. Open discussion from 10-11 a.m. followed by individual appointments from 11-12 p.m. Contact Geoff's office at 426-2217 or geoff@geoffregan.ca for more information.
Mosaic Ministries Free Community DinnerMosaic Ministries is hosting a dinner of corned beef and cabbage, as well as coffee and tea, at the Fairview Salvation Army (50 Gesner Drive) on Saturday, May 26th at noon. All welcome!
Contact Information
Phone: 902-443-8318
Email: whalendc@gov.ns.ca
Website: www.dianawhalen.com
