We have a rich history of volunteering and community involvement. Volunteers are on the front lines of all of our community services : community health care, heritage and arts, maintenance of green space, disaster relief, volunteer firefighting, community protection, recreation, minor sports, etc.- the list is endless. The work of the volunteer is essential work.

National Volunteer Week (NVW) pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who donate their time and energy. NVW is the biggest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism this country has. The theme for National Volunteer Week; April 19th to April 25th is “From Compassion to Action”.

The 2009 campaign has been developed to help organizations and individuals to deliver their own NVW celebrations. To help you say ‘‘thank you’’ to volunteers, Volunteer Canada has developed a wealth of resources and products (posters, postcards, volunteer recognition materials) that can be accessed through their one-stop-shop web-site: www.nvw-sab.ca . Canadians, from individuals to organizations that work with volunteers, are invited to submit photos and videos that recognize volunteerism. Go to the NVW home page to upload them online. Here are some other web-sites you can explore to find the products and resources to deliver your own volunteer recognition celebration :

www.recreationns.ns.ca/volunteerawards &

www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices/

Just a friendly reminder that HRM is offering for an early registration discount for dog licenses at a special rate of $10.00 ($ 5 for seniors ) from February 1st to April 30th, 2009.

On April 15th, the fire season is expected to begin officially, therefore burning permits will be required. Provincial Burning Permits can be obtained from the local NS Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) offices. Domestic burning permits cost $5.60. Industrial permits cost $56.04.

For more details about Provincial Burning Permits; go on-line to:
www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/burning-permits.asp

Municipal Burning Permits are always required and can be obtained at any HRM Fire Station. HRM By-law does allow for Open-Air Burning.
For more details, go to HRM web-site: www.halifax.ca/fire/BurningBylaw.html

Please follow and exercise all precautions, procedures and rules of conduct as outlined on these Permits. For more safety tips and information about open-air burning: www.gov.ns.ca/natr/protection/wildfire/safedebris.html

Please be respectful to fellow neighbours when you want to burn. Do not do any open-air burning if there is any laundry hung out to dry nearby or close to any homes with indoor-outdoor air & heat exchange units. Best be cognizant of those with health conditions that can be impacted by environmental smoke. Also careless brush and grass burning can be the cause of many wildfires. Especially after last year ordeal, I trust everyone will be extra careful.

The 4th Annual Hope for Wildlife Coffee House will be held on Sunday, April 19th, 12-4 PM at Cole Harbour Place, 51 Forest Hills Drive in Cole Harbour. There will be free entertainment and refreshments for the whole family. And lots of silent auction items to bid.

Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Be sure to buy biodegradable and recycled items. And plant some seeds and seedlings to re-grow and regenerate the environment. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet. See what you can do on Wednesday, April 22nd at www.earthday.net

There are 90,000 invoices generated each billing and an additional 40,000 invoices issued to financial institutions for those who pay their taxes via their mortgage payment. If any property owner does not receive their HRM interim tax bill by March 31st, then you should call the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000. All HRM Customer Service Centres will have extended store hours until 5 PM on Wednesday April 29th & Thursday April 30th.

Sincerely,

Councillor  David  Hendsbee  
H.R.M. DISTRICT 3 COUNCILLOR
PRESTON/LAWRENCETOWN/CHEZZETCOOK




1 Chamberlain Drive, Westphal, NS, B2Z 1B1
829-2465 ( Home Office ) 483-0705 ( Cell )
490-4050 ( Hfx. City Hall ) 829-3620 ( Fax )
david@hendsbee.ns.ca & hendsbd@halifax.ca

Best Wishes for a
Happy Easter to All