Kraft Canada together with the CBC, the NHL and the NHL Player’s Association is, again, searching for the community that best embodies the spirit of hockey and hometown pride. Communities from across our nation are being challenged to demonstrate their passion for the game and earn the coveted title of Kraft Hockeyville 2008. Along with that prize, the local hockey community wins $100,000 to remodel their local arena; an NHL pre-season game, and a CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast from the area. The top 4 remaining communities are awarded: $20,000 to upgrade their local rink and a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast from their community. The top 10 communities are chosen by an in-house panel, which makes their selections based on community spirit, originality and passion for hockey. The top 5 communities are determined by audience vote. Once the top 5 are revealed, voters are re-invited to vote for the Grand Prize Community. Porters Lake and the Eastern Shore Community Centre Rink have been nominated. And only 2 communities from Atlantic Canada will be eligible for the vote. People are asked to get involved to help raise our chances. So don’t miss this opportunity to help out. Check-out www.cbc.ca/hockeyville to see all the other nominated communities. Voting starts on Sunday, Feb. 17th. But in the meantime, we need to campaign with posters and gimmicks. Be creative, download promotional aids from the CBC web-site. Let’s put up posters everywhere throughout all the communities served by the Eastern Shore Rink. Go for it ... for Shore !

On Saturday, Feb. 23rd, at the Lake Echo Community Centre there will be a benefit for Wendy & Lyle Bell that lost all of their belongings and four pet dogs on Christmas Day.

Back in November 2006 (Issue #108), and May 2007 (Issue #114), I reported about the HRM Taxation Reform Committee ( TRC ) and the review of our current property tax system. The TRC is still working on its final recommendations to take to Regional Council and to the public at large. As an active member of that committee, I can tell you to expect some big changes to a service -based taxation regime instead of a system based on assessment valuation. For the municipal portion of your property tax bill, the TRC is preferring to have a detailed bill based on the services that your property has access to, and the relative cost to deliver those services. It is important to realize that any changes would result in increases for some and decreases for others. For this reason, the TRC is also working on options to assist lower income homeowners to ensure their ability to remain in their homes. The TRC will be again providing various opportunities for public consultation and participation to debate its recommendations. Soon there will be advertisements and public notices to inform the broader community as to when, where and how you can provide us with your insights and opinions on a revised municipal taxation system. Community involvement and citizen interaction is critical to the success of any tax reform. If you want further information on the options being considered by the TRC please check out: www.halifax.ca/taxreform/index.html

Traditionally pancake suppers are served on “Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday ”, Feb. 5th, 4 - 6:30 PM, at St. David’s in Lake Echo and by St. Mark's at Porter's Lake Community Centre. Feast first, then fast for Lent !

The NS Dept. of Transportation & Public Works does most of the snow removal and ice control road services in District 3. Our local NS Highway Depot in Chezzetcook is at 827-2544. But for North Preston, Westphal, and all of the subdivision streets in the Lawrencetown area, please call HRM Snow and Ice Control at 490-6203 or the HRM Service Call Centre at 490-4000. Drivers can get up-to-date road conditions across Nova Scotia by calling the SNOW-line: 1-800-307-SNOW (7669) or 424-3933 or 511 or go on-line at www.gov.ns.ca/tran and click on the Road & Weather Report Icon Button. The SNOW-line is updated regularly at 7 AM; 1 PM; and 5 PM. or more frequently in case of a major storm event. For on-line info on HRM Ice & Snow Control Service Standards go to: www.halifax.ca/Works/Streets/snow_ice.html Motorists are asked to exercise extreme caution when venturing out onto the roadways. Be safe by having your vehicle properly prepared for this time of year.